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THE
AMERICAN
DISPENSATORY^
CONTAINING
The Operations of Pharmacy; together with the Natural, Chemical,
Pharmaceutical and Medical History of the different
Substances employed in Medicine;
ILLUSTRATED AND EXPLAINED, ACCORDING TO THE PRINCIPLES OF
MODERN CHEMISTRY:
COMPREHENDING
The Improvements in Dr. Duncarfs Fourth Edition of the
Edinburgh New Dispensatory,
THE ARRANGEMENT SIMPLIFIED,
AND THE WHOLE ADAPTED TO THE
PRACTICE OF MEDICINE AND PHARMACY
IN THE
UNITED STATES.
\\ ith several Copperplates, exhibiting the New System of Chemical Characters,
and representing the most useful Apparatus.
SECOND EDITION.
BY JOHN REDMAN COXE, M. D.
Professor of Chemistry in the University of Pennsylvania; Member of the American
Philosophical Society, and of the Batavian Society of Sciences at Harlem.
PHILADELPHIA:
PUBLISHED BY THOMAS DOBSON, AT THE STONE HOUSE,
No. 41, SOUTH SECOND STREET.
Pry and Kam merer, Printers.
1810.
District of Pennsylvania, to wit:
********* BE IT REMEMBERED, that on the twenty-second day
♦ SEAL.* of May, in the thirtieth year of the independence of the
!*******! Unitec^ States of America,' A D. 1806, Thomas Dobson of
the said district, hath deposited in this office the title of a
book, the right whereof he claims as proprietor, in the words following-,
to wit:
" The American Dispensatory, containing the operations of Phar-
" macy, together with the Natural, Chemical, Pharmaceutical and
" Medical History of the different substances employed in Medi-
" cine; Illustrated and Explained, according to the Principles
" of Modern Chemistry: comprehending all the Improvements in
" Dr. Duncan's second edition of the Edinburgh New Dispensa-
" tory. The arrangement simplified, and the whole adapted to the
" practice of Medicine and Pharmacy in the United States. With
" several Copperplates, exhibiting the new system of Chemical
" Characters, and representing the most useful Apparatus By
" John Redman Coxe, M. D. Professor of Chemistry in th<- Uni-
" versity of Pennsylvania; Member of the American Philosophical
" Society, and of the Batavian Society of Sciences at Harlem."
In conformity to the act of the Congress of the United States, inti-
tuled, *' An act for the encouragement of learning, by securing the co-
pies of map-?, charts, and books, to the authors and proprietors of such
copies during the times therein mentioned." And also to the act, enti-
tled rt An act supplementary to an act, entitled ' An act for the en-
couragement of learning, by securing the copies of maps, charts, and
books, to the authors and proprietors of such copies during the time
therein mentioned,' and extending the benefits thereof to the arts of
designing, engraving, and etching historical and other prints."
D. CALDWELL,
Clerk of the District of Pennsylvania.
Cc
£o\\>
• a,
-£0~S0t>Cp
PREFACE
TO THE FIRST EDITION
OF THE AMERICAN DISPENSATORY.
I HE present edition of an American Dispensatory is the first
attempt which has been made towards the introduction of a
Standard for the United States. That it is exempt from errors,
is not supposed; and the only merit the editor claims, if any
there be in it, arises from the totally different arrangement he
has pursued, from that of any other work of the same kind,
which has fallen within his observation.
The numerous subdivisions of the Dispensatory have always
appeared to the editor to be unnecessary, and certainly trouble-
some, as it requires so many distinct references to what may,
with more propriety, be introduced in the consideration of the
substance to which the preparation more immediately refers.
By the alteration which is here attempted of giving after each
simple substance its respective preparations; the whole is con-
densed into one view, and greater simplicity is thereby attained.
Although the materials are chiefly the same, it is not impro-
bable, that some of the articles might have been more judi-
ciously placed under other heads than those chosen for them.
Some additions have been made to the catalogue of our medi-
cines, taken chiefly from the valuable " Collections for a Mate-
ria Medica of the United States," by Professor Barton. They
iv PREFACE.
form, it is true, but a small proportion, and are very imperfect,
yet it is hoped they may prove a basis for a more complete
attempt at a future period.
Many alterations undoubtedly might have been made in the
medical uses of the articles introduced, especially as regards the
practice of Physic in the United States; but the short period
allowed to prepare this edition for the press, precluded the pos-
sibility of effecting it at present. It is therefore committed to
the public, with little deviation from the Edinburgh copy, with
the hope that every allowance will be made by the candid prac-
titioner, who can alone appreciate the difficulties of the under-
taking.
In selecting the formulae of the various preparations, the edi-
tor has chiefly confined himself to those of the Edinburgh col-
lege, as he believes they have been most generally adopted in
the United States. It has, however, certainly become necessary
to establish a standard of composition for this country, as the
late addition of the Dublin Pharmacopoeia to the Edinburgh
Dispensatory, has only added to the difficulty of selection; and
as the choice is entirely optional with the apothecary; a great,
and in some instances, an injurious variety is introduced into
the shops. It is of little import which formula is employed, pro-
vided that it is universal; but as the colleges have themselves
differed so greatly in the preparation of some very active medi-
cines, (as in the antimonial wine,) it is obvious that it should
not be left discretionary, as many are totally incompetent to the
task of selecting, and will, no doubt, be glad to have a standard
established to their hands. Mistakes may likewise be prevented,
which occasionally must result, from Physicians employing the
same doses, of medicines so different in point of strength.
The new nomenclature supplied in the Edinburgh Dispensa-
tory is here retained, at the same time the synonymcs of the
other colleges are given, by which the whole is exhibited in one
concise view. The valuable posological table, exhibiting the
respective doses of the medicines which may be given, is also
PREFACE. v
retained, and must prove of considerable benefit to the young
beginner.
The editor conceives that many articles might have been ju-
diciously omitted; as this, however, depended solely on his own
judgment, which might differ considerably from that of many
learned friends, he considered it prudent, at least at present, to
retain the whole; hoping that the opinion of practitioners might
enable him, at a subsequent period, to render the work more
perfect, and more worthy their acceptance.
Although the chemical part is deemed in a great degree un-
necessary in a work of this kind, yet for the reason above
assigned, the editor has incorporated from the Edinburgh Dis-
pensatory as much as possible, in those parts to which it ap-
peared more particularly to refer.
Philadelphia, June, 180fi
ADVERTISEMENT
TO THE
SECOND EDITION
OF THE AMERICAN DISPENSATORY.
A SECOND edition of this work being called for, the editor has
pursued the same plan which he had chosen in the former im-
pression. Numerous additions are however made, in many parts;
especially in the valuable tables given in the fourth Edinburgh
edition of 1808.
The late discoveries relative to the alkalies, are so important,
as to render it probable, that they will produce a new change in
chemical science. The recent state of these discoveries, pre-
cluded however any alteration in the chemical parts of this
work, which a further advance of knowledge on this head, will
probably render necessary.
In the preface to the Edinburgh copy of 1808, the editor, in
speaking of the former edition of the American Dispensatory,
mentions it as a reprint of his second edition. With due respect
to my friend Dr. Duncan, I must in justice to myself, regard
it as a new work, inasmuch as the arrangement differs totally
from every other work of the kind hitherto published. The
materials of a work of this nature, must necessarily be the same
in a greater or less degree in all ; and the Doctor owes the celebrity
of his own editions to the free use he has made of the works of
others. In this I have not been behind him; but I cannot but
regard the plan I have pursued as much superior to his, or any
vm
other. It may no doubt be improved; indeed, what work is
incapable of improvement? I still therefore think myself autho-
rised to continue to this work the title of The American Dis-
pensatory; and am happy to find it has been well thought of, by
many respectable and eminent physicians.
Philadelphia, January, 1810.,
DIRECTIONS FOR THE PLATES.
Plate I. to face page 89
II. ... 90
III. > 92
IV. - 93
V. 95
VI. - ... 96
THE
AMERICAN DISPENSATORY
MATERIA MEDICA.
THE MATERIA MEDIC A comprehends every substance,
whether natural or artificial, which is employed in medicine. But
in most Pharmacopoeias the materia medica is confined to sim-
ples, and to those preparations which are not supposed to be
prepared by the apothecary himself, but to be purchased by him
as articles of commerce from druggists and others.
Much pains have been bestowed by the writers on the materia
medica in attempting to form useful arrangements of these arti-
cles. Some have arranged them according to their natural af-
finities; others according to their active constituent parts; and
others according to their real or supposed virtues. Each of these
arrangements have their particular advantages. The first will
probably be preferred by the natural historian, the second by the
chemist, and the last by the physiologist. But no arrangement
has yet been proposed which is not liable to numerous objections.
Accordingly, in the Pharmacopoeias published by the Colleges of
Physicians of London, Dublin, and Edinburgh, the articles of
the materia medica are arranged in alphabetical order; and the
same plan is now also adopted in almost every Pharmacopoeia of
much estimation lately published on the continent of Europe:
it will therefore be followed in the present work.
As there appears to be no good reason why the different pre-
parations and compositions of the various articles of the materia
medica, should not immediately follow the consideration of each
article respectively, instead of dividing them under a great variety
of distinct heads ; it has been deemed proper in the present Ame-
rican Pharmacopoeia, to pursue that plan, as far as it appeared
advantageous. Some preparations, as powders, pills, tinctures,
&lc. undoubtedly arrange better under one general head: these
are therefore still retained distinct, though they are brought into
the general alphabetical order, instead of being placed in separate.
15
10 Materia Medica.
chapters at the end of the materia medica. By the present plan
' a connected view is given of every preparation arising out of the
article under consideration; instead of having to recur to so many
different places.
The same reasons have induced me to give the chemical his-
tory of each article, in immediate connexion with its natural,
medical, and pharmaceutical history, from the " Epitome of
Chemistry" of Dr. Duncan's Edinburgh Dispensatory ; a portion
of the work, in my opinion unnecessary for the complete chemist,
and to the young beginner unintelligible, without a reference to
other sources. To refresh the memory, it will be of more utility
united with the consideration of each article; for with any other
view, it will scarcely ever be consulted, either by the chemist or
the tyro in that science.
The nomenclature of the Edinburgh college is here adopted.
The synonymes of the London and Dublin colleges are added for
the sake of perspicuity ; and the names of many of the articles
are given in the most current languages, from the u Dictionary
of Merchandise."*
The Dutch designated by
Danish -
D.
DA.
French -
- F.
German -
G.
Italian ...
- I.
Portuguese -
Polish
P.
- POL.
Russian -
R.
Spanish -
' Swedish -
- S.
SW.
The operations of Pharmacy, are necessarily included in a
distinct chapter, and precede the consideration of the other part
of the work.
First American Edition.
ELEMENTS
OF
PHARMA C Y
1 HE object of Pharmacy is to provide those substances
which may be employed for the prevention or cure of diseases.
To obtain this object completely, an acquaintance with the
physical and chemical properties of bodies is necessary. This
may be termed the Science of Pharmacy.
As few substances are found in nature in a state fit for their
exhibition in medicine, they previously undergo various prepa-
rations. These constitute the Art of Pharmacy.
Pharmaceutical Operations.
COLLECTION AND PRESERVATION OF SIMPLES.
l.JCiACH of the kingdoms of nature furnishes articles whjch
are employed in medicine, either in their natural state, or after
they have been prepared by the art of pharmacy.
2. In collecting these, attention must be paid to select such as
are most sound and perfect, to separate from them whatever is
injured or decayed, and to free them from all foreign matters
adhering to them.
3. Those precautions must be taken which are best fitted for
preserving them. They must in general be defended from the
effects of moisture, too great heat, or cold, and confined air.
4. When their activity depends on volatile principles, they
must be preserved from the contact of the air as much as possible.
5. As the vegetable kingdom presents us with the greatest
number of simples, and the substances belonging to it are the
least constant in their properties, and most subject to decay, it
becomes necessary to give a few general rules for their collection
and preservation.
6. Vegetable matters should be collected in the countries where
they are indigenous; and those which grow wild, in dry soils,
and high situations, fully exposed to the air and sun, are in gene-
ral to be preferred to those which are cultivated, or which grow
in moist, low, shady, or confined places.
7. Roots which are annual, should be collected before they
shoot out their stalks or flowers; biennial roots in the harvest of
the first, or spring of the second year; perennial roots either in
spring before the sap has begun to mount, or in harvest, after it
has returned.
8. Those which are worm-eaten (except some resinous roots,)
or which are decayed, are to be rejected. The others are imme-
diately to be cleaned with a brush and cold water, letting them
lie in it as short time as possible ; and the fibres and little roots,
when not essential, are to be cut away.
9. Roots which consist principally of fibres, and have but a
small tap, may be immediately dried. If they be juicy, and not
Pharmaceutical Operations. 13
aromatic, this may be done by heat, not exceeding 100° of Fah-
renheit; but if aromatic, by simply exposing them, and frequently-
turning them in a current of cold dry air; if very thick and
strong, they are to be split or cut into slices, and strung upon
threads; if covered with a tough bark, they may be peeled fresh,
and then dried. Such as lose their virtues by drying, or are di-
rected to be preserved in a fresh state, are to be kept buried in
dry sand.
10. No very general rule can be given for the collection of
herbs and leaves, some of them acquiring activity from their age,
and others, as the mucilaginous leaves, from the same causer
losing the property for which they are officinal. Aromatics are to
be collected after the flower-buds are formed; annuals, not aro-
matic, when they are about to flower, or when in flower; bien-
nials, before they shoot; and perennials, before they flower, espe-
cially if their fibres become woody.
11. They are to be gathered in dry weather, after the dew is
off them, or in the evening before it falls, and are to be freed
from decayed, withered, or foreign leaves. They are usually tied
in bundles, and hung up in a shady, warm, and airy place; or
spread upon the floor, and frequently turned. If verv juicy, they
are laid upon a sieve, and dried by a gentle degree of artificial
warmth.
12. Sprouts are collected before the buds open; and stalks are
gathered in autumn.
13. Barks and woods are collected when the most active part
of the vegetables are concentrated in them, which happens in
spring and in autumn. Spring is preferred for resinous barks, and
autumn for the others which are not resinous, but rather gummy.
Barks should be taken from young trees, and freed from decaved
parts, and all impurities.
14. The same rules direct the collection of woods; but they
must not be taken from very young trees. Among the resinous
woods, the heaviest, which sink in water, are selected. The al-
burnum is to be rejected.
15. Flowers are collected in clear dry weather, before noon,
but alter the dew is off': either when they are just about to open,
or immediately after they have opened. Of some the petals only
are preserved, and the colourless claws are even cut away; of
others whose calyx is odorous, the whole flower is kept. Flowers
which are too small to be pulled singlv, are dried with part of
the stalk: These are called heads or tops.
16. Flowers and herbs are to be dried by the gentle heat of a
stove or common fire, in such quantities at a time, that the pro-
cess may be finished as quickly as possible; for by this means
their powers are best preserved; the test of which is the perfect
14 Materia Medica.
preservation of their natural colour. When they lose their colour
and smell they are unfit for use.
17. Seeds and fruits, unless when otherwise directed, are to be
gathered when ripe, but before they fall spontaneously. Some
pulpy fruits are freed from their core and seeds, strung upon
thread, and dried artificially. They are in general best preserved
in their natural coverings, although some, as the colocynth, are
peeled, and others, as the tamarind, preserved fresh. Many of
these are apt to spoil, or become rancid; and as they are then no
longer fit for medical use, no very large quantity of them should
be collected at a time.
1 8. The proper drying of vegetable substances is of the great-
est importance. It is often directed to be done in the shade, and
slowly, that the volatile and active particles may not be dissipated
by too great heat; but this is an error, for they always lose in-
finitely more by slow than bv quick drying. When, on account of
the colour, they cannot be exposed to the sun, and the warmth of
the atmosphere is insufficient, they should be dried by an artificial
warmth, less than 100° Fahrenheit, and well exposed to a current
of air. When perfectly dry and friable, they have little smell; but
after being kept some time, they attract moisture from the air, and
regain their proper odour.
19. The boxes and drawers in which vegetable matters are
kept, should not impart to them any smell or taste; and more cer-
tainly to avoid this, they should be lined with paper. Such as are
volatile, of a delicate texture, or subject to suffer from insects,
must be kept in \vTell covered glasses. Fruits and oily seeds, which
are apt to become rancid, must be kept in a cool, and dry, but by
no means in a warm, or moist place.
20. Oily seeds, odorous plants, and those containing volatile
principles, must be collected fresh every year. Others, whose
properties are more permanent, and not subject to decay, will
keep for several years.
21. Vegetables collected in a moist and rainy season, are in
general more watery and apt to spoil. In a dry season, on the
contrary, they contain more oily and resinous particles, and keep
much better.
MECHANICAL OPERATIONS OF PHARMACY.
a. The determination of the weight and bulk of bodies.
b. The division of bodies into more minute particles.
c. The separation of their integrant parts by mechanical
means.
d. Their mixture, when not attended by any chemical action.
Pharmaceutical Operations. 15
22. The quantities of substances employed in pharmaceutical
operations are most accurately determined by the process called
weighing. For this purpose, there should be sets of beams and
scales of different sizes; and it would be advisable to have a dou-
ble set, one for ordinary use, and another for occasions when
greater accuracy is necessary. A good beam should remain in
equilibrium without the scales, and when the scales are changed;
and it should turn sensibly with a very small proportion of the
weight with which it is loaded. Balances should be defended as
much as possible from acid and other corrosive vapours, and
should not be left suspended longer than is necessary, as it im-
pairs their delicacy very much. For the same reason, balances
should never be overloaded.
23. The want of uniformity of weights and measures is attend-
ed with many inconveniencies. In this country, (Great Britain,)
druggists and grocers sell bv avoirdupois weight; and the apothe-
caries are directed to sell by troy weight, although, in fact, they
seldom use the troy weight for more than two drachms. Hence
arise numerous and culpable errors, the troy pound being less
than the avoirdupois, and the ounce and drachm being greater.
Comparative tables of the value of the troy, avoirdupois, and new
French decimal weights, are given in the appendix.
24. The errors arising from th'j promiscuous use of weights
and measures, have induced the Edinburgh and Dublin colleges
to reject the use of measures entirely, and to direct that the quan-
tities of every thing fluid, as well as solid, shall be determined by-
troy weight: But as the London college have given their sanction
to the use of measures, and as, from the much greater facility of
their employment, apothecaries will always use them, tables of
measures are also inserted in the appendix.
25. For measuring fluids, the graduated glass measures are al-
ways to be preferred: they should be of different sizes, according
to the quantities they are intended to measure. Elastic fluids are
also measured in glass tubes, graduated by inches and their de-
cimals.
26. Specific gravity is the weight of a determinate bulk of any
body. As a standard of comparison, distilled water has been as-
sumed as unity. The specific gravity of solids is ascertained, by
comparing the weight of the body in the air with its weight when
suspended in water. The quotient obtained by dividing its weight
in air, by the difference between its weight in air and its weight
in water, is its specific gravity. The specific gravity of fluids may-
be ascertained by comparing the loss of weight of a solid body,
such as a piece of crystal, when immersed in distilled water, with
its loss when immersed in the fluid we wish to examine; by divid-
ing its loss of weight in the fluid bv its loss of weight in the wa-
ter, the quotient is the specific gravity of the fluid : Or a small
16 Materia Medica.
phial, containing a known weight of distilled water, may be filled
with the fluid to be examined and weighed, and by dividing the
weight of the fluid by the weight of the water, the specific gravity
is ascertained.
Although these are the only general principles by which specific
gravities are ascertained, yet as the result is always influenced by
the state of the thermometer and barometer at the time of the ex-
periments, and as the manipulation is a work of great nicety, va-
rious ingenious instruments have been contrived to render the
process and calculation easy. Of all these, the gravimeter of Mor-
veau seems to deserve the preference.
It would be of material consequence to science and the arts,,
if specific gravities were always indicated by the numerical term
expressing their relation to the specific gravity of distilled water.
This however is unfortunately not the case. The excise in this
country collect the duties paid by spiritous liquors, by estimating
the proportion which they contain of a standard spirit, about 0.933
in specific gravity, which they call hydrometer proof, and they
express the relation which spirits of a different strength have to
the standard spirit by saying that they are above or under hydro-
meter proof. Thus one to six, or one in seven below hydrometer
proof means, that it is equal in strength to a mixture of six parts
of proof spirit with one of water.
The only other mode of expressing specific gravities which it
is necessary to notice, is that of Baume's areometer; as it is often
used in the writings of the French chemists, and is little under-
stood in this country. For substances heavier than water he as-
sumes the specific gravity of distilled water as zero, and gradu-
ates the stem of his instrument downwards, each degree being
supposed by him to express the number of parts of muriate of
soda contained in a given solution, which however is not at all
the case. For substances lighter than water the tube is graduated
upwards, and this zero is afforded by a solution of 10 of salt in
90 of water. In the appendix tables are given of the specific gravi-
ties, corresponding with all the degrees of both of these areome-
ters, from Nicholson's Journal.
MECHANICAL DIVISION.
27. By mechanical division, substances are reduced to a form
better adapted for medical purposes; and by the increase of their
surface, their action is promoted, both as medical and chemical
agents.
28. It is performed by cutting, bruising, grinding, grating,
rasping, filing, pulverization, trituration, ancl granulation, by
means of machinery or of proper instruments.
Pharmaceutical Operations. 17
29. Pulverization is the first of these operations that is com-
monly employed in the apothecary's shop. It is performed by
means of pestles and mortars. The bottom of the mortars should
be concave ; and their sides should neither be so inclined as not
to allow the substances operated on to fall to the bottom between
each stroke of the pestle, nor so perpendicular as to collect it too
much together, and to retard the operation. The materials of
which the pestles and mortars are formed, should resist both the
mechanical and chemical action of the substances for which they
are used. Wood, iron, marble, siliceous stones, porcelain, and
glass, are all employed ; but copper, and metals containing cop-
per, are to be aVoided.
30. They should be provided with covers, to prevent the finest
and lightest parts from escaping, and to defend the operator from
the effects of disagreeable or noxious substances. But these ends
are more completely attained by tying a piece of pliable leather
round the pestle and round the mouth of the mortar. It must be
closely applied, and at the same time so large, as to permit the
free motion of the pestle.
31. In some instances, it will be even necessary for the opera-
tor to cover his mouth and nostrils with a wet cloth, and to stand
with his back to a current of air, that the very acrid particles
which arise may be carried from him.
32. The addition of a little water or spirit of wine, or of a few
almonds, to very light and dry substances, will prevent their fly-
ing off. But almonds are apt to induce rancidity, and powders are
always injured, by the drying which is necessary when they have
been moistened. Water must never be added to substances which
absorb it, or are rendered cohesive by it.
33. Too great a quantity of any substance must never be put
into the mortar at a time, as it very much retards the operation.
- 34. All vegetable substances must be previously dried. Resins
and gummy resins, which become soft in summer, must be pow-
dered in very cold weather, and must be beaten gently, or they
will be converted into a paste instead oi being powdered. Wood,
roots, barks, horn, bone, ivory, &c. must be previously cut, split,
chipped or rasped. Fibrous woods and roois should be finely
shaved after their bark is removed, for otherwise, their powders
will be full of hair-like filaments, which can scarcely be^\eparated.
Some substances will even require to be moistened with muci-
lage of tragacanth, or of starch, and then dried before they can
be powdered. Camphor may be conveniently powdered by the
addition of a little spirit of wine, or almond oil. The emulsive
seeds cannot be reduced to powder, unless some dry powder be
added to them. To aromatic oily substances, sugar is the best
addition.
35. All impurities and inert parts having been previously se-
C
18 Materia Medica.
parated, the operation must be continued and repeated upon ve-
getable substances, till no residuum is left. The powders obtain-
ed at different times must then be intimately mixed together, so
as to bring the whole to a state of perfect uniformity.
36. Very hard stony substances must be repeatedly heated to
a reel heat, and then suddenly quenched in cold water, until they
become sufficiently friable. Some metals may be powdered hot in
a heated iron mortar, or may be rendered brittle by alloying them
with a little mercury.
37. Trituration is intended for the still more minute division
of bodies. It is performed in flat mortars of glass, agate, or other
hard materials, by giving a rotatory motion to the pestle; or on a
levigating stone, which is generally of porphyry, by means of a
muller of the same substance. On large quantities it is performed
by rollers of hard stone, turning horizontally upon each other, or
by one vertical roller turning on a flat stone.
38. The substances subjected to this operation are generally
previously powdered or ground.
39. Levigation differs from trituration only in the addition of
water or spirit of wine to the powder operated upon, so as to form
the whole mass into a kind of paste, which is rubbed until it be
of sufficient smoothness or fineness. Earths, and some metallic
substances, are levigated.
40. Grajiulation is employed for the mechanical division of
some metals. It is performed, either by stirring the melted metal
with an iron-rod until it cools, or by pouring it into water, and
stirring it continually as before, or by pouring it into a covered
box, previously well rubbed with chalk, and shaking it until the
metal cools, when the rolling motion will be converted into a
rattling one. The adhering chalk is then to be washed away.
MECHANICAL SEPARATION.
41. Sifting, From dry substances, which are reduced to the
due degree of minuteness, the coarser particles are to be separated
by sieves of iron-wire, hair-cloth or gauze, or by being dusted
through bags of fine linen. For very light and valuable powders,
or acrid substances, compound sieves, having a close lid and re-
ceiver must be used. The particles which are not of sufficient
fineness to pass through the interstices of the sieve, may be again
powdered.
42. Elutriation is confined to mineral substances, on which
water has no action. It is performed for separating them from
foreign particles and impurities, of a different specific gravity, in
which case they are said to be washed ; or for separating the im-
palpable powders, obtained by trituration and levigation from the
coarser particles. This process depends upon the property that
Pharmaceutical Operations. 19
very tine or light powders have of remaining for some time sus-
pended in water; and is performed by diffusing the powder or
paste formed by levigation through plenty of water, letting it
stand a sufficient time, until the coarser particles settle at the
bottom; and then pouring off the liquid in which the finer or
lighter particles are suspended. Fresh water may be poured on
the residuum, and the operation repeated ; or the coarser parti-
cles, which fall to v,he bottom, may be previously levigated a se-
cond time.
43. Decantation, The fine powder which is washed over with
the water, is separated from it, by allowing it to subside com-
pletely, and by either decanting off the water very carefully, or
by drawing it off by a svringe or syphon. These processes are
very frequently made use of for separating fluids from solids
which are specifically heavier, especially when the quantity is
very large, or the solid so subtile as to pass through the pores of
most substances employed for filtration, or the liquid so acrid as
to corrode them.
44. Filtration. For the same purpose of separating fluids from
solids, straining and filtration are often used. These differ only
in degree, and are employed when the powder either does not
subside at all, or too slowly and imperfectly for decantation.
45. The instruments for this purpose are of various materials,
and must in no instance be acted upon by the substances for
which they are employed. Fats, resins, wax and oils, are strained
through hemp or flax spread evenly over a piece of wire-cloth or
net stretched in a frame. For saccharine and mucilaginous li-
quors, fine flannel mav be used; for some saline solutions, linen.
Where these are not fine enough, unsized paper is employed, but
it is extremely apt to burst by hot watery liquors; and very acrid
liquors, such as acids, are filtered by means of a glass funnel,
filled with powdered quartz, a few of the larger pieces being put
in the neck, smaller pieces over these, and the finer powder
placed over all. The porosity of this last filter retains much of
the liquor; but it may be obtained by gently pouring on it as much
distilled water; the liquor will then pass through, and the water
be retained in its place.
46. Water may be filtered in large quantities through basins
©f porous stone, or artificial basins of nearly equal parts of fine
clay and coarse sand. In large quantities it mav be easily puri-
fied per ascensum, the purified liquor and impurities thus taking
opposite directions. The simplest apparatus of this kind is a bar-
rel, divided perpendicularly, by a board perforated with a row
of holes along the lower ^\qq. Into each side as much well-
washed sand is put as will cover these holes an inch or two, over
which must be placed a layer of pebbles to keep it steady. The
apparatus is now fit for use. Water poured into the one half will
20 Materia Medica.
•sink through the sand in that side, pass through the holes in the
division to the other, and rise through the sand in the other half,
from which it may be drawn by a stop-cock.
47. The size of the niters depends on the quantity of matter
to be strained. When large, the flannel or linen is formed into a
conical bag, and suspended from a hoop or frame ; the paper is
either spread on the inside of these bags, or folded into a conical
form, and suspended by a funnel. It is of advantage to introduce
glass rods or quill-barrels between the paper and funnel, to pre-
vent them from adhering too closely.
48. What passes first is seldom fine enough, and must be
poured back again, until by the swelling of the fibres of the fil-
ter, or filling up of its pores, the fluid acquires the requisite de-
gree of limpidity. The filter is sometimes covered with charcoal
powder, which is a useful addition to muddy and deep-coloured
liquors. The filtration of some viscid substances is much assisted
by heat.
49. Expression is a species of filtration, assisted by mechani-
cal force. It is principally employed to obtain the juices of fresh
vegetables, and the unctuous vegetable oils. It is performed by
means of a screw press with plates of wood, iron or tin. The
subject of the operation is previously beaten, ground or bruised.
It is then inclosed in a bag, which must not be too much filled,
and introduced between the plates of the press. The bags should
be of hair-cloth, or canvass inclosed in hair-cloth. Hempen and
woollen bags are apt to give vegetable juices a disagreeable taste.
The pressure should be gentle at first, and increased gradually.
50. Vegetables intended for this operation should be perfectly
fresh and freed from all impurities. In general they should be
expressed as soon as they are bruised, for it disposes them to
ferment; but subacid fruits give a larger quantity of juice and of
finer quality, when they are allowed to stand some days in a
wooden or earthen vessel after they are bruised. To some vege-
tables which are not juicy enough of themselves, the addition of
a little water is necessary. Lemons and oranges must be peeled,
as their skins contain a great deal of essential oil, which would
mix with the juice. The oil itself may be obtained separately, by
expression with the fingers against a plate of glass.
51; For unctuous seeds iron-plates are used; and it is custom-
ary not only to heat the plates, but to warm the bruised seeds in
a kettle over the fire, after they have been sprinkled with some
water, as by these means the product is increased, and the oil
obtained is more limpid. But as their disposition to rancidity is
increased by it, if possible this practice should be laid aside, or
confined to exposing the bruised seeds, inclosed in a bag, to the
steam of hot water.
Pharmaceutical Operations. 21
52. Despumation is generally practised on thick and clammy
liquors, which contain much slimy and other impurities, not
easily separable by filtration. The scum arises either by simply
heating the liquor, or by clarifying it, which is done by mixing
with the liquor, when cold, whites of eggs well beaten with a
little water, which on being heated coagulates, and entangling
the impurities of theTiquor, rises with them to the surface, and
may be easily removed by a perforated ladle. Or the liquor may
now be filtered with ease. Spiritous liquors are clarified by
means of isinglass dissolved in water, or any albuminous fluid,
such as milk, which coagulates by the action of alcohol without
the assistance of heat. Some expressed juices, such as those of
the antiscorbutic plants, are instantlv clarified by the addition of
vegetable acid, such as the juice of bitter oranges.
53. Fluids can only be separated from each other, when they
have no tendency to combine, and when they differ in specific
gravity. The separation mav be effected by skimming off the
lighter fluid with a silver or glass spoon; or by drawing it off by
a syringe or syphon; or by means of a glass separatory, which is
an instrument having a projecting tube, terminating in a very
slender point, through which the heavier fluid alone is permitted
to run; or by means of the capillary attraction of a spongy wool-
len thread; for no fluid will enter a substance whose pores are
filled by another, for which it has no attraction; and lastly, upon
the same principle, by means of a filter of unsized paper, previ-
ously soaked in one of the fluids, which in this way readily
passes through it, while the other remains behind.
54. Mechanical mixture is performed bv agitation, trituration,
or kneading; but these will be best considered in treating of the
forms in which medicines are exhibited.
APPARATUS.
55. Before entering on the chemical operations, it will be ne-
cessary to make a few remarks on the instruments employed in
performing them. They may be divided into
a. The vessels in which the effects are performed.
b. The means of producing heat; or fuel; and
c. The means of applying and regulating the heat; or lamps
and furnaces*
VESSELS.
56. The vessels, according to the purposes for which they are
intended, vary
22 Materia Medica.
la. In form, and
b. In materials.
57. The different forms will be best described when treating
of the particular operations.
58. No substance possesses properties which would render it
proper to be employed as a material in every instance. We are
therefore obliged to select those substances which possess the
properties more especially required in the particular operations
for wrhich they are intended.
59. The properties most generally required, are
a. The power of resisting chemical agents.
b. Transparency.
c. Compactness.
d. Strength.
e. Fixity and infusibility.
f. And the power of bearing sudden variations of tempera*
ture without breaking.
60. The metals in general possess the four last properties in
considerable perfection, but they are all opaque. Iron and copper
are apt to be corroded by chemical agents, and the use of the
latter is often attended by dangerous consequences. These de-
fects are in some measure, but not entirely, remedied by tinning
them. Tin and lead are too fusible. Platinum, gold, and silver,
resist most of the chemical agents, but their expense is an insur-
mountable objection to their general use.
61. Good earthen- ware resists the greatest intensity of heat,
but is deficient in all the other properties. The basis of all kinds
of earthen-ware is clay, which possesses the valuable quality of
being very plastic when wrought with water, and of becoming
extremely hard when burnt with an intense heat. But it contracts
so much by heat, that it is extremely apt to crack and split on
being exposed to sudden changes of temperature ; it is therefore
necessary to add some substance which may counteract this
property. Siliceous sand, clay reduced to powder, and then burnt
with a very intense heat, and plumbago, are occasionally used.
These additions, however, are attended with other inconveni-
encies; plumbago especially is liable to combustion, and sand di-
minishes the compactness ; so that when not glazed, they are
porous, and when glazed, they are acted upon by chemical agents.
The chemical vessels, manufactured by Messrs. Wedgewood, are
the best of this description, except porcelain, which is too expen-
sive. f
62. Glass possesses the three first qualities in an eminent de-
gree, and may be heated redhot without melting. Its greatest
Pharmaceutical Operations.. 23
inconvenience is its disposition to crack or break in pieces when
suddenly heated or cooled. As this is occasioned by its unequal
expansion or contraction^ it is best remedied by forming the
vessels very thin, and giving them in general a rounded form.
Glass vessels should also be well annealed, that is, cooled very
slowly, after being blown, by placing them immediately in an
oven while they are yet in a soft state. While ill annealed, or
cooled suddenly, glass is apt to fly in pieces on the slightest
change of temperature, or touch of a sharp point. We may some-
times take advantage of this imperfection; for by means of a red-
hot wire, glass vessels may be cut into any shape. When there is
not a crack already in the glass, the point of the wire is applied
near the edge, a crack is formed, which is afterwards easily led
in any direction we wish.
63. Reaumur's porcelain, on the contrary, is glass, which by
surrounding it with hot sand, is made to cool so slowly, that it
assumes a crystalline texture, which destroys its transparency,
but imparts to it every other quality wished for in chemical ves-
sels. The coarser kinds of glass are commonly used in making
it; but as there is no manufacture of this Valuable substance, its
employment is still very limited.
LUTES.
64. Lutes also form a necessary part of chemical apparatus,
They are compositions of various substances, intended
a. To close the joining of vessels.
b. To coat glass vessels.
c. To line furnaces.
65. Lutes of the first description are commonly employed to
confine elastic vapours. They should therefore possess the follow-
ing properties,
a. Viscidity, plasticity, and compactness.
b. The power of resisting acrid vapours.
c. The power of resisting certain degrees of heat.
66. The viscidity of lutes depends on the presence either ot
a* Unctuous or resinous substances.
b. Mucilaginous substances, or
c. Clay, or lime.
67. Lutes of the first kind (66 a.) possess the two first classes
24 Materia Medica.
of properties in an eminent degree ; but they are in general so
fusible that they cannot be employed when they are exposed
even to very low degrees of heat, and they will not adhere to
any substance that is at all moist. Examples.
a. Eight parts of yellow wax melted with one of oil of
^ turpentine, with or without the addition of resinous sub-
stances, according to the degree of pliability and consis-
tence required. Lavoisier's lute.
b. Four parts of wax melted with two of varnish and one
of olive oil. Saussure's lute.
c. Three parts of powdered clay worked up into a paste,
with one of drying oil, or, what is better, amber varnish.
The drying oil is prepared by boiling 22.5 parts of lith-
arge in 16 of linseed oil until it be dissolved. Fat lute.
d. Chalk and oil, or glazier's putty, is well fitted for luting
tubes permanently into glass vessels, for it becomes so
hard that it cannot be easily removed.
e\ Equal parts of litharge, quicklime, and powdered clay,
worked into a paste with oil varnish, is sometimes used
to daub over the cracks in glass vessels, so as to render
them again fit for some purposes.
f. Melted pitch and brick dust.
68. Mucilaginous substances, (66 £.) such as flour, starch,
gum, and glue mixed with water, with or without some powder,
are sufficiently adhesive, are dried by moderate degrees of heat,
and are easily removed after the operation, by moistening them
with water. But a high temperature destroys them, and they do
not resist corrosive vapours. Examples.
a. Slips of bladder macerated in water, and applied with the
inside next the vessels. They are apt, however, from
their great contraction on drying, to break weak vessels.
b. One part of gum arabic with six or eight of chalk, form-
ed into a paste with water.
c. Flour worked into a paste with powdered clay or chalk.
d. Almond or linseed meal formed into a paste with mu-
cilage or water.
e. Quicklime in fine powder, hastily mixed with white of
t^^ and instantly applied, sets very quickly, but becomes
so hard that it can scarcely be removed.
f. Slaked lime in fine powder, with glue, does not set so
quickly as the former.
g. The cracks of glass vessels are sometimes mended by
daubing them and a suitable piece of linen over with
white of e^ strewing both over with finely powdered
Pharmaceutical Operations. 25
quicklime, and instantly*applying the linen closely and
evenly.
69. Earthy lutes (66 c.) resist very high temperatures, but
they become so hard that they can scarcely be removed, and
often harden so quickly after they are mixed up, that they must
be applied immediately. Examples.
a. Quicklime well incorporated with a sixth part of muriate
of soda.
b. Burnt gypsum, made up with water.
c. One ounce of borax dissolved in a pound of boiling
water, mixed with a sufficient quantity of powdered clay.
Mr. Watt's fire lute.
d. One part of clay with four of sand formed into a paste
with water. This is also used for coating glass vessels, in
order to render them stronger and capable of resisting
violent degrees of heat. It is then made into a very thin
mass, and applied in successive layers, taking care that
each coat be perfectly dry before another be laid on.
70. The lutes for lining furnaces will be described when treat-
ing of furnaces.
71. The junctures of vessels which are to be luted to each
other, must previously be accurately and firmly fitted, by intro-
ducing between them, when necessary, short bits of wood or
cork, or, if the disproportion be very great, by means of a cork
fitted to the one vessel, having a circular hole bored through it,
through which the neck of the other vessel or tube passes.
72. After being thus fitted, the lute is either applied very thin,
by spreading it on slips of linen or paper, and securing it with
thread, or if it is a paste lute, it is formed into small cylinders,
which are successively applied to the junctures, taking care that
each piece be made to adhere firmly and perfectly close in every
part before another is put on. Lastly, the whole is secured by
slips of linen or bladder.
73. In many cases, to permit the escape of elastic vapours, a
small hole is made through the lute with a pin, or the lute is per-
forated by a small quill, fitted with a stopper.
HEAT AND FUEL.
74. As caloric is an agent of the most extensive utility in the
chemical operations of pharmacy, it is necessary that we should
be acquainted with the means of employing it in the most econo-
mical and efficient manner.
D
26 Materia Medica.
75. The rays of the sun are used in the drying of many vege-
table substances, and the only attentions necessary are to expose
as large a surface as possible, and to turn them frequently, that
every part may be dried alike. They are also sometimes used for
promoting spontaneous evaporation.
76. The combustion of different substances is a much more
powerful and certain source of heat. The substances employed
for this purpose are either fluid or solid. Alcohol, oil, tallow,
wood, turf, coal, charcoal, and coke, are all occasionally employed.
77. Alcohol, oil, and melted tallow, fluid inflammables, must be
burnt on porous wicks. These act merely mechanically, by draw-
ing up a portion of the fluid to be volatilized and inflamed. They
are therefore burnt in lamps of various constructions. But al-
though commonly used to produce light, they afford a very uni-
form, though not very high, temperature. It may however be in-
creased by increasing the number of the wicks and their size.
Alcohol produces a steady heat, no soot, and if strong, leaves no
residuum. Oil gives a higher temperature, but on a common
wick produces much smoke and soot. These are diminished, and
the light and heat increased, by making the surface of the flame
bear a large proportion to the centre, which is best done by a
cylindrical wick, so contrived that the air has free access both to
the outside and to the inside of the cylinder, as in Argand's
lamp, invented by Mr. Boulton of Birmingham. In this way oil
may be made to produce a considerable temperature of great
uniformity, and without the inconvenience of smoke.
78. Wicks have the inconvenience of being charred by the
high temperature to which they are subjected, and becoming so
clogged as to prevent the fluid from rising in them. They must
then be trimmed, but this is seldomer necessary with alcohol and
fine oils than with the coarser oils. Lamps are also improved by
adding a chimney to them. It must admit the free access of air
to the flame, and then it increases the current, confines the heat,
and steadies the flame. The intensity of the temperature of flame
may be increased astonishingly by forcing a small current of hot
air through it as by the blow pipe.
79. Wood, turf, coal, charcoal, and coke, solid combustibles,
are burnt in grates and furnaces. Wood has the advantage of
kindling readily, but affords a very unsteady temperature, is in-
convenient from its flame, smoke, and soot, and requires much
attention. The heavy and dense woods give the greatest heat,
burn longest, and leave a dense charcoal.
80. Dry turf gives a steady heat, and does not require so much
attention as wood; but it consumes fast, its smoke is copious and
penetrating, and the empyreumatic smell which it imparts to
every thing it comes in contact with, adheres to them with great
Pharmaceutical Operations. 27
obstinacy. The heavy turf of marshes is preferable to the light
superficial turf.
81. Coal is the fuel most commonly used in this country (Scot-
land). Its heat is considerable and sufficiently permanent, but it
produces much flame and smoke.
82. Charcoal, especially of the dense woods, is a very conveni-
ent and excellent fuel. It burns without flame or smoke, and gives
a strong, uniform, and permanent heat, which may be easily re-
gulated, especially when it is not in too large pieces, and is a lit-
tle clamp. But it is costly, and burns quickly.
83. Coke, or charred coal, possesses similar properties to
charcoal, it is less easily kindled, but is capable of producing a
higher temperature, and burns more slowlv.
84. When an open grate is used for chemical purposes, it
should be provided with cranes to support the vessels operated
in, that they may not be overturned by the burning away of the
fuel.
FURNACES.
85. In all furnaces, the principal objects are, to produce a suf-
ficient degree of heat, with little consumption of fuel, and to be
able to regulate the degree of heat.
86. An unnecessary expenditure of fuel is prevented by form-
ing the sides of the furnace of very imperfect conductors of calo-
ric, and by constructing it so that the subject operated on may be
exposed to the full action of the fire.
87. The degree of heat is regulated by the quantity of air
which comes in contact with the burning fuel. The quantity of
air is in the compound ratio of the size of the aperture through
which it enters and its velocity. The velocity is increased by me-
chanical means, as by bellows, or by increasing the height and
width of the chimney.
88. The size and form of furnaces, and the materials of which
they are constructed, are various, according to the purposes for
which they are intended.
89. The essential parts of a furnace are,
a. A body for the fuel to burn in.
b. A grate for it to burn upon.
c. An ash-pit to admit air and receive the ashes.
d. A chimney for carrying off the smoke and vapours.
90. The ash-pit should be perfectly close, and furnished with
a door and register-plate, to regulate the quantity of air ad-
mitted.
28 Materia Medica.
91. The bars of the grate should be triangular, and placed
-with an angle pointed downwards, and not above hall an inch
distant. The grate should be fixed on the outside of the body.
92. The body may be cylindrical or elliptical, and it must have
apertures for introducing the fuel and the subjects of the opera-
tion, and for conveying away the smoke and vapours.
93. When the combustion is supported by the current of air
naturally excited by the burning of the fuel, it is called a wind-
furnace; when it is accelerated by increasing the velocity of the
current by bellows, it forms a blast-furnace; and when the body
of the furnace is covered with a dome, which terminates in the
chimney, it constitutes a reverberatory furnace.
94. Furnaces are either fixed, and built of fire-brick, or port-
able, and fabricated of plate-iron. When of iron, they must be
lined with some badly conducting and refractory substance, both
to prevent the dissipation of heat, and to defend the iron against
the action of the fire. A mixture of scales of iron and powdered
tiles worked up with blood, hair, and clay, is much recommend-
ed; and Professor Hagen says, that it is less apt to split and crack
when exposed at once to a violent heat, than when dried gradu-
ally, according to the common directions. Dr. Black employed
two different coatings. Next to the iron he applied a composition
of three parts by weight of charcoal, and one of fine clay. These
are first mixed in the state of fine powder, and then worked up
with as much water as will permit the mass to be formed into
balls, which are applied to the sides of the furnace, and beat very
firm and compact with the face of a broad hammer, to the thick-
ness of about one inch and a half in general, but so as to give an
elliptical form to the cavity. Over this, another lute, composed
of six or seven parts of sand, and one of clay, is to be applied in
the same manner, to the thickness of about half an inch. These
lutes must be allowed to become perfectly dry before the furnace
is heated, which should at first be done gradually. They may also
be lined with fire bricks of a proper form, accurately fitted and
well cemented together before the top plate is screwed on.
95. The general fault of furnaces is that they admit too much
air, which prevents us from regulating the temperature. It either
becomes too violent and unmanageable, or when more cold air is
admitted than what is necessary for supporting the combustion,
it carries off heat, and prevents us from raising the temperature
as high as we otherwise would. The superior merit of Dr.
Black's furnace consists in the facility with which the admission
of air is regulated; and every attempt hitherto made to improve
it by increasing the number of its apertures have in reality inju-
red it.
98. Heat may be applied to vessels employed in chemical ope-
rations,
Pharmaceutical Operations. 20
a. Directly, as in the open fire and reverberatory furnace.
b. Or through the medium of sand; the sand-bath.
c. Of water; the water-bath.
d. Of steam; the vapour-bath.
e. Of air, as in the muffle.
CHEMICAL OPERATIONS.
97. In all chemical operations, combination takes place, and
there are very few of them in which decomposition does not also
occur. For the sake of method, we shall consider them as prin-
cipally intended to produce
a. A change in the form of aggregation.
b. Combination.
c. Decomposition.
98. The form of aggregation may be altered bv
a. Fusion.
b. Vaporization.
c. Condensation.
d. Congelation.
e. Coagulation.
99. Liquefaction is commonly employed to express the melting
of substances, as tallow, wax, resin, &c. which pass through inter-
mediate states of softness before they become fluid. Fusion is the
melting of substances which pass immediately from the solid to
the fluid state, as the salts and metals, except iron and platinum.
100. Fusion is the conversion of a solid into a liquid by the sole
agency of caloric. Substances differ very much in the degrees of
their fusibility; some, as water and mercury, existing as fluids in
the ordinary temperatures of the atmosphere; while others, as
the pure earths, cannot be melted by any heat we can produce.
101. When, in consequence of fusion, the substances operated
on acquire a greater or less degree of transparency, a dense uni-
form texture, and great brittleness, and exhibit a conchoidal frac-
ture, with a specular surface, and the edges of the fragments very
sharp, it is termed vitrification.
102. In general, simple substances are less fusible than com-
pounds; for example, the simple earths cannot be melted singly,
but when mixed, are easily fused. The additions which are some-
times made to refractory substances to promote their fusion, are
termed fluxes.
103. These fluxes are generally saline bodies.
30 Materia Medica.
o. The alkalies, potass and soda, promote powerfully the fu-
sion of siliceous stones; but they are only used for accurate
experiments. The white flux is a mixture of a little potass
with carbonate of potass, and is prepared by deflagrating
together equal parts of nitrate of potass and super-tartrate
of potass. When an oxide is at the same time to be redu-
ced, the \j\dizkflux is preferred, which is produced by the
deflagration of two parts of super-tartrate of potass, and
one of nitrate of potass. It differs from the former only in
containing a little charcoal. Soap promotes fusion by be-
ing converted by the fire into carbonate of soda and char-
coal.
b. Aluminous stones have their fusion greatly promoted by
the addition of sub-borate of soda.
c. Muriate of soda, the mixed phosphate of soda and am-
monia, and other salts, are also occasionally employed.
104. An open fire is sufficient to melt some substances, others
require the heat of a furnace.
105. The vessels in which fusion is performed, must resist the
heat necessary for the operation. In some instances, an iron or
copper ladle or pot may be used, but most commonly crucibles
are employed. Crucibles are of various sizes. The large cruci-
bles are generally conical, with a small spout for the convenience
of pouring out; the small ones are truncated triangular pyramids,
and are commonly sold in nests.
106. The Hessian crucibles are composed of clay and sand,
and when good, will support an intense heat for many hours
without softening or melting; but they are disposed to crack
when suddenly heated or cooled. This inconvenience may be on
many occasions avoided, by using a double crucible, and filling
up the interstice with sand, or by covering the crucible with a
lute of clay and sand, by which means the heat is transmitted
more gradually and equally. Those which ring clearly when
struck, and are of an uniform thickness, and have a reddish brown
colour, without black spots, are reckoned the best.
107. Wedgewood's crucibles are made of clay mixed with
baked clay finely pounded, and are in every respect superior to
the Hessian, but they are very expensive.
108. The black-lead crucibles, formed of clay and plumbago,
are very durable, resist sudden changes of temperature, and may
be repeatedly used, but they are destroyed when saline substan-
ces are melted in them, and suffer combustion when exposed red-
hot to a current of air.
109. When placed in a furnace, crucibles should never be set
upon the bars of the grate, but always upon a support. Dr. Ken-
Pharmaceutical Operations. 31
nedy found the hottest part of a furnace to be about an inch above
the grate. They may be covered, to prevent the fuel or ashes
from falling into them, with a lid of the same materials, or with
another crucible inverted over them.
1 10. When the fusion is completed, the substance may be either
permitted to cool in the crucible, or may be poured into a heated
mould anointed with tallow, never with oil, or what is still bet-
ter, covered with a thin coating of chalk, which is applied by
laying it over with a mixture of chalk diffused in water, and then
evaporating the water completely by heat. To prevent the cru-
cible from being broken by cooling too rapidly, it is to be either
replaced in the furnace, to cool gradually with it, or covered
with some vessel to prevent its being exposed immediately to
the air.
111. Fusion is performed with the intentions,
a. Of weakening the attraction of aggregation.
1. To facilitate mechanical division.
2. To promote chemical action.
b, Of separating from each other, substances of different de-
grees of fusibility.
112. Vaporization is the conversion of a solid or fluid into va-
pour by the agency of caloric. Although vaporability be merely
a relative term, substances are said to be permanently elastic, vo-
latile, or fixed. The permanently elastic fluids or gases are those
which cannot be condensed into a fluid or solid form by any ab-
straction of caloric we are capable of producing. Fixed substances,
on the contrary, are those which cannot be converted into vapour
by great increase of temperature. The pressure of the atmos-
phere has very considerable effect in varying the degree at which
substances are converted into vapour. Some solids, unless sub-
jected to very great pressure, are at once converted into vapour,
although most of them pass through the intermediate state of
fluidity.
113. Vaporization is employed
a. To separate substances differing in volatility.
b. To promote chemical action, by disaggregating them.
114. When employed with either of these views,
a. No regard is paid to the substances volatilized,
1. From solids, as in ustulation and charring.
2. From fluids, as in evaporation.
b. Or the substances vaporized are condensed in propci
vessels.
32 Materia Medica.
1. In a liquid form, as in distillation.
2. In a solid form, as in sublimation.
c. Or the substances vaporized are permanently elastic, and
are collected in their gaseous form, in a pneumatic appa-
ratus.
115. Ustulation is almost entirely a metallurgic operation, and
is employed to expel the sulphur and arsenic contained in some
metallic ores. It is performed on small quantities in tests placed
within a muffle. Tests are shallow vessels made of bone ashes or
baked clay. Muffles are vessels of baked clay, of a semi-cylindri-
cal form, the flat side forming the floor, and the arched portion
the roof and sicks. The end and sides are perforated with holes
for the free transmission of air, and the open extremity is placed
at the door of the furnace, for the inspection and manipulation of
the process. The reverberatorv furnace is commonly employed for
roasting, and the heat is at first very gentle, and slowly raised to
redness. It is accelerated by exposing as large a surface of the
substance to be roasted as possible, and by stirring it frequently,
so as to prevent any agglutination, and to bring every part in suc-
cession to the surface.
116. Charring may be performed on any of the compound
oxides, by subjecting them to a degree of heat sufficient to expel
all their hydrogen, nitrogen, and superabundant oxygen, while the
carbon, being a fixed principle, remains behind in the stateof char-
coal. The temperature necessary for the operation may be pro-
duced either by the combustion of other substances, or by the
partial combustion of the substance to be charred. In the former
case, the operation may be performed in any vessel which ex-
cludes the access of air, while it permits the escape of the vapours
formed. In the latter, the access of air must be regulated in such
a manner, that it may be suppressed whenever the combustion
has reached the requisite degree; for if continued to be admitted,
the charcoal itself would be dissipated in the form of carbonic
acid gas, and nothing would remain but the alkaline and earthy
matter, which these substances always contain. When combus-
tion is carried this length, the process is termed incineration. The
vapours which arise in the operation of charring, are sometimes
condensed, as in the manufacture of tar.
117. Evaporation is the conversion of a fluid into vapour, by
its combination with caloric. In this process, the atmosphere is
not a necessary agent, but rather a hinderance, by its pressure.
This forms a criterion between evaporation and spontaneous
evaporation, which is merely the solution of a fluid in air.
118. It is performed in open, shallow, or hemispherical ves-
sels of silver, tinned copper or iron, earthen-ware or glass. The
Pharmaceutical Operations. S3
necessary caloric may be furnished by means of an open fire, a
lamp, or a furnace, either immediately, or with the intervention
of sand, water, or vapour. The degree of heat must be regulated
by the nature of the substance operated on. In general, it should
not be greater than what is absolutely necessary.
119. Evaporation may be,
a. Partial.
1. From saline fluids; concentration.
2. From viscid fluids; inspissation.
b. Total: exsiccation.
120. Concentration is employed,
a. To lessen the quantity of diluting fluids; dephlegmatioir.
b. As a preliminary step to crystallization.
121. Inspissation is almost confined to animal and vegetable
substances; and as these are apt to be partially decomposed by
heat, or to become empyreumatic, it should always be perform-
ed, especially towards the end of the process, in a water or va-
pour-bath.
122. Exsiccation is here taken in a very limited sense; for the
term is also with propriety used to express the drying of vege-
tables by a gentle heat, the efflorescence of salts, and the abstrac-
tion of moisture from mixtures of insoluble powders with water,
by means of chalk-stones or powdered chalk pressed into a
smooth mass. At present, we limit its meaning to the total ex-
pulsion of moisture from any body by means of caloric.
123. The exsiccation of compound oxides should always be
performed in the water-bath.
124. Salts are deprived of their water of crystallization by
exposing them to the action of heat in a glass vessel or iron la-
dle. Sometimes thev first dissolve in their water of crystalliza-
tion, or undergo what is called the watery fusion, and are after-
wards converted into a dry mass by its total expulsion; as in the
calcination of borax or burning of alum.
125. When exsiccation is attended with a crackling noise, and
splitting of the salt, as in muriate of socia, it is termed decrepita-
tion, and is performed by throwing into a heated iron vessel,
small quantities of the salt at a time, covering it up, and waiting
until the decrepitation be over, before a fresh quantity is thrown
in.
126. Exsiccation is performed on saline bodies, to render them
more acrid or pulverulent, or to prepare them for chemical ope-
rations* Animal and vegetable substances are exsiccated to give
them a solid form, and to prevent their fermentation.
F,
34 Materia Medica.
127. Condensation is the reverse of expansion, and is produced
either,
a. By mechanical pressure forcing out the caloric in a sen-
sible form, as water is squeezed out of a sponge, or,
b, By the chemical abstraction of caloric, which is followed
by an approximation of the particles of the substance.
128. The latter species of condensation only is the object of
our investigation at present. In this way we may be supposed to
condense,
a. Substances existing naturally as gases or vapours.
b. Substances, naturally solid or fluid, converted into va-
pours by adventitious circumstances.
129. The former instance is almost supposititious: for we are
not able, by any diminution of temperature, to reduce the per-
manently elastic fluids, to a fluid or solid state.
130. The latter instance is always preceded by vaporization,
and comprehends those operations in which the substances eva-
porized are condensed in proper vessels. When the product is a
fluid, it is termed distillation; when solid, sublimation.
131. Distillation is said to be performed,
a. Via humidd, when fluids are the subjects of the opera-
tion.
b. Via. sicca, when solids are subjected to the operation, and
the fluid product arises from decomposition, and a new
arrangement of the constituent principles.
132. The objects of distillation are,
a. To separate more volatile fluids from less volatile fluids
or solids.
b. To promote the union of different substances.
c. To generate new products by the action of fire.
133. In all distillations, the heat applied should not be greater
than what is necessary for the formation of the vapour, and even
to this degree it should be gradually raised. The vessels also in
which the distillation is performed, should never be filled above
one half, and sometimes not above one fourth, lest the substance
contained in them should boil over.
134. As distillation is a combination of evaporation and con-
densation, the apparatus consists of two principal parts:
Pharmaceutioal Operations. 35
a. The vessels in which the vapours are formed.
b. The vessels in which they are condensed.
135. The vessels employed for both purposes are very various
in their shapes, according to the manner in which the operation
is conducted. The first difference depends on the direction of the
vapour after its formation. It either,
a. Descends; distillation per descensum.
b. Ascends; distillation per ascensum,
c. Or passes off by the side; distillation per latus.
136. In the distillation per descensum, a perforated plate of
tinned iron, or other materials, is fixed within any convenient
vessel, so as to leave a space beneath it. On this the subject of
the operation is laid, and over it is placed another plate, accu-
rately closing the mouth of the vessel, and sufficiently strong to
support the fuel. Thus the heat is applied from above, and the
vapour is forced to descend into the inferior cavity, where it is
condensed. In this way the oil of cloves is prepared, and on the
same principles tar is manufactured, and mercury and zinc are
separated from their ores.
137. In the distillation per ascensum, the vapour is allowed to
arise to some height, and then is conveyed away to be condensed.
The vessel most commonly employed for this purpose is the com-
mon copper still, which consists of a body for containing the
materials, and a head into which the vapour ascends. From the
middle of the head a tube rises for a short way, and is then re-
flected downwards, through which the steam passes to be con-
densed. Another kind of head, rising to a great height before it
is reflected, is sometimes used for separating fluids, which differ
little in volatility, as it was supposed that the less volatile vapours
would be condensed and fall back into the still, while only the
more volatile vapours would arise to the top, so as to pass to the
refrigeratory. The same object may be more conveniently at-
tained by managing the fire with caution and address. The greater
the surface exposed, and the less the height the vapours have to
ascend, the more rapidly does the distillation proceed; and so
well are these principles understood by the Scotch distillers, that
they do not take more than three minutes to discharge a still
containing fifty gallons of fluid.
138. The condensing apparatus used with the common still is
very simple. The tube in which the head terminates, is inserted
into the upper end of a pipe, which is kept cool by passing through
a vessel filled with water, called the Refrigeratory. This pipe is
commonly made of a serpentine form; but as this renders it dif-
ficult to be cleaned, Dr. Black recommends a sigmoid pipe. The
36 Materia Medica.
refrigeratory may be furnished with a stop-cock, that when the
water it contains becomes too hot, and does not condense all the
vapour produced, it may be changed for cold water. From the
lower end of the pipe, the product of the distillation drops into
the vessel destined to receive it; and we may observe, that when
any vapour issues along with it, we should either diminish the
power of the fire, or change the water in the refrigeratory.
139. Circulation was a process formerly in use. It consisted in
arranging the apparatus, so that the vapours, were no sooner con-
densed into a fluid form, than this fluid returned back into the
distilling vessels, to be again vaporized; and was effected by dis-
tilling in a glass vessel, with so long a neck that the vapours were
condensed before they escaped at the upper extremity, or by in-
verting one matrass within another.
140. When corrosive substances are distilled in this way, the
cucurbit and alembic are used; but these substances are more
conveniently distilled per latus,
141. The distillation per latus is performed in a retort, or pear-
shaped vessel having the neck bent to one side. The body of a
good retort is well rounded, uniform in its appearance, and of an
equal thickness, and the neck is sufficiently bent to allow the va-
pours, when condensed, to run freely away, but not so much as
to render the application of the receiver inconvenient, or to bring
it too near the furnace. The passage from the body into the neck
must be perfectly free and sufficiently wide, otherwise the vapours
produced in the retort only circulate in its body, without passing
over into the receiver. For introducing liquors into the retort
without soiling its neck, which would injure the product, a'bent
funnel is necessary. It must be suffit iently long to introduce the
liquor directly into the body of the retort; and in withdrawing it,
we must carefully keep it applied to the upper part of the retort,
that the drop hanging from it may not touch the inside of the
neck. In some cases, where a mixture of different substances is
to be distilled, it is convenient and necessary to have the whole
apparatus properly adjusted before the mixture is made, and we
must therefore employ a tubulated retort, or a retort furnished
with an aperture, accurately closed with aground stopper.
142. The tubulature should be placed on the upper convex
part of the retort before it bends to form the neck, so that a fluid
poured through it may fall directly into the body without soiling
the neck.
143. Retorts are made of various materials. Flint-glass is com-
monly used when the heat is not so great, as to melt it. For dis-
tillations which require excessive degrees of heat, retorts of
earthen-ware, or coated (69. d.) glass retorts are employed.
Quicksilver is distilled in iron retorts. r
144. The simplest condensing apparatus used with the retort,
Pharmaceutical Operations. 37
is the common glass-receiver; which is a vessel of a conical or
globular form, having a neck sufficiently wide to admit of the neck
of the retort being introduced within it. To prevent the loss and
dissipation of the vapours to be condensed, the retort and receiver
may be accurately ground to each other, or secured by some pro-
per lute. To prevent the receiver from being heated by the calo-
ric evolved during the condensation of vapours in it, we must
employ some means to keep it cool. It is either immersed in cold
water, or covered with snow, or pounded ice, or a constant eva-
poration is supported from its surface, by covering it with a cloth,
which is kept moist by means of the descent ol water, from a
vessel placed above it, through minute syphons or spongy worst-
ed threads. But as, during the process of distillation, permanently
elastic fluids are often produced, which would endanger the
breaking of the vessels, these are permitted to escape either
through a tubulature, or hole in the side of the receiver, or rather
through a hole made in the luting (73.) Receivers having a spout
issuing from their side, are used when we wish to keep separate
the products obtained at different periods of any distillation. For
condensing very volatile vapours, a series of receivers, commu-
nicating with each other, termed Adopters, were formerly used;
but these are now entirely superseded by Woulfe's apparatus.
145. This apparatus consists of a tubulated retort, adapted to
a tubulated receiver. With the tubulature of the receiver, a three-
necked bottle is connected by means of a bent tube, the further
extremity of which is immersed, one or more inches, in some
fluid contained in the bottle. A series of two or three similar
bottles are connected with this first bottle in the same way. In
the middle tubulature of each bottle, a glass tube is fixed, having
its lower extremity immersed about a quarter of an inch in the
fluid. The height of the tube above the surface of the fluid must
be greater than the sum of the columns of fluid standing over the
further extremities of the connecting tubes, in all the bottles or
vessels more remote from the retort. Tubes so adjusted are term-
ed Tubes of Safety, for they prevent that reflux of fluid from the
more remote into the nearer bottles, and into the receiver itself,
which would otherwise inevitably happen, on any condensation
of vapour taking place in the retort, receiver, or nearer bottles.
Different contrivances for the same purpose have been described
by Messrs. Welter and Burkit; and a very ingenious mode of
connecting the vessels without lute, has been invented bv citizen
Girard, but they would not be easily understood without plates.
The further tubulature of the last bottle is commonly connected
with a pneumatic apparatus, by means of a bent tube. When the
whole is properly adjusted, air blown into the retort should pass
through the receiver, rise in bubbles through the fluids contained
in each of the bottles, and at last escape by the bent tube. In the
38 Materia Medica.
receiver, those products of distillation are collected, which are
condensable by cold alone. The first bottle is commonly filled
with water, and the others with alkaline solutions, or other active
fluids; and as the permanently elastic fluids produced, are suc-
cessively subjected to the action of all of these, only those gases
will escape by the bent tube which are not absorbable by any of
them.
PNEUMATIC APPARATUS.
146. The great importance of the elastic fluids in modern che-
mistry, has rendered an acquaintance with the means of collect-
ing and preserving them indispensable.
147. When a gas is produced by any means, it may be received
either,
o. Into vessels absolutely empty; or,
b. Into vessels, filled with some fluid, on which it exerts no
action.
148. The first mode (147. fl.) of collecting gases may be prac-
tised by means of a bladder, moistened sufficiently to make it per-
fectly pliable, and then compressed so as to press out every par-
ticle of air from its cavity. In this state it may be easily filled
with any gas. An oiled silk bag will answer the same purpose,
and is more convenient in some respects, as it may be made of
any size or form.
149. Glass or metallic vessels, such as balloons, may also be
emptied for the purpose of receiving gases, by fitting them with
a stop-cock, and exhausting the air from them by means of an
air-pump.
150. But the second mode (147. b.) of collecting gases is the
most convenient and common.
151. The vessels may be filled either,
a. With a fluid lighter; or,
b. Heavier than the gas to be received into it.
152. The former method is seldom employed; but if we con-
duct a stream of any gas heavier than atmospheric air, such as
carbonic acid gas, muriatic acid gas, &c. to the bottom of any
vessel, it will gradually displace the air, and fill the vessel.
153. On the contrary, a gas lighter than atmospheric air, such
as hydrogen, may be collected in an inverted vessel by conducting
a stream of it to the top.
154. But gases are most commonly collected by conducting the
Pharmaceutical Operations. 3£
stream of gas into an inverted glass-jar, or any other vessel filled
with water or mercury. The gas ascends to the tipper part of
the vessel, and displaces the fluid. In this way gas may be kept a
very long time, provided a small quantity of the fluid be left in
the vessels, which prevents both the escape of the gas, and the
admission of atmospheric air.
155. The vessels may be of various shapes; but the most com-
monly employed are cylindrical. They may be either open only
at one extremity, or furnished at the other with a stop-cock.
156. The manner of filling these vessels with fluid, is to im-
merse them completely in it, with the open extremity directed a
little upwards, so that the whole air may escape from them, and
then inverting them with their mouths downwards.
157. For filling them with convenience, a trough or cistern is
commonly used. This either should be hollowed out of a solid
block of wood or marble; or, if it be constructed of wood simply,
it must be well painted or lined with lead or tinned copper. It6
size may vary very much; but it must contain a sufficient depth
of fluid to cover the largest transverse diameter of the vessels to
be filled in it. Atone end or side, there should be a shelf for hold-
ing the vessels after they are filled. This shelf should be placed
about an inch and a half below the surface of the fluid, and should
be perforated with several holes, forming the apices of corres-
ponding conical excavations on the lower side, through which, as
through inverted funnels, gaseous fluids may be more easily in-
troduced into the vessels placed over them.
158. In general the vessels used with a mercurial apparatus
should be stronger and smaller than those for a water-cistern, and
we must have a variety of glass and elastic tubes for conveying
the gases from the vessels in which they are formed, to the fun-
nels under the shelf.
159. Rectifications the repeated distillation of any fluid. When
distillation renders the fluid stronger, or abstracts water from it,
it is termed Dephlegmation. When a fluid is distilled off from
any substance, it is called Abstraction; and if the product be re-
distilled from the same substance, or a fresh quantity of the same
substance, it is denominated Cohobation.
160. Sublimation differs from distillation only in the form of
the product. When it is compact, it is termed a Sublimate; when
loose and spungy, it formerly had the improper appellation of
Flowers. Sublimation is sometimes performed in a crucible, and
the vapours are condensed in a paper cone, or in another crucible
inverted over it; sometimes in the lower part of a glass flask, cu-
curbit or phial, and the condensation is effected in the upper part
or capital, and sometimes in a retort with a very short and wide
neck, to which a conical receiver is fitted. The heat is most com-
monly applied through the medium of a sand-bath; and the de-
-40 Materia Medica.
gree of heat, and the depth to which the vessel is inserted in it,
are regulated by the nature of the sublimation.
161. Congelation is the reduction of a fluid to a solid form, in
consequence of the abstraction of caloric. The means employed
for abstracting the caloric, are the evaporation of volatile fluids,
the solution of solids, and the contact of cold bodies.
162. Coagulation is the conversion of a fluid into a solid of
greater or less consistence, merely in consequence of a new ar-
rangement of its particles, as during the process there is no se-
paration of caloric or any other substance. The means of produ-
cing coagulation, are increase of temperature, and the addition
of certain substances, as acids and runnets.
COMBINATION.
163. Chemical combination is the intimate union of the par-
ticles of at least two heterogeneous bodies. It is the effect result-
ing from the exertion of the attraction of affinity, and is therefore
subjected to all the laws of affinity.
164. To produce the chemical union of any bodies, it is neces-
sary,
1. That they possess affinity to each other.
2. That their particles come into actual contact.
3. That the strength of the affinity be greater than any
counteracting causes which may be present.
165. The principal counteracting causes are,
1. The attraction of aggregation.
2. Affinities for other substances.
166. The means to be employed for overcoming the action of
other affinities will be treated of under Decomposition.
167. The attraction of aggregation is overcome by means of
1. Mechanical division.
2. The action of caloric.
168. Combination is facilitated by increasing the points of ac-
tual contact,
1. By mechanical agitation.
2. By condensation; compression. -
169. The processes employed for producing combination, may
be considered,
Pharmaceutical Operations. 41
1. With regard to the nature or the substances combine-d;
and,
2. To the nature of the compound produced.
Gases,
1. Combine with gases;
2. And dissolve fluids or solids;
3. Or are absorbed by them.
Fluids,
1. Are dissolved in gases;
2. Or absorb them.
3. Combine with fluids,
4. And dissolve solids;
5. Or are rendered solid by them.
Solids,
1. Are dissolved in fluids and in gases; or,
2. Absorb gases,
3. And solidity fluids.
170. The combination of gases with each other, in some in-
stances takes place when simph mixed together: thus nitrous-
and ox\ gen gases combine as soon a^> they come into contact; in
other instances, it is necessary to elevate their temperature to a
degree sufficient for their inflammation, either by means of the
electric spark, or the contact ot an ignited body, as in the com-
bination of oxygen gas with hydrogen or nitrogen gas.
171. When gases combine with each other, there is always a
considerable diminution of bulk, and not unfrtquentlv they are
condensed into a liquid or solid form. Hydrogen and ox\ gen
gases form water; muriatic acid and ammonia gases form solid
muriate of ammonia. But when the combination is effected by
ignition, a violent expansion, which endangers the bursting of the
vessels, previously takes place, in consequence of the increase of
temperature.
172. Solution is the diminution of aggregation in anv solid or
fluid substance, in consequence of its entering into chemical com-
bination. The substance, whether solid or fluid, whose aggrega-
tion is lessened, is termed the SoivenJ; and the substance, by
whose agencv the solution is effected, is olten called the Men-
struum or Solvent.
173. Solution is said to be performed viu humida, when the
natural form of the solvent is fluid; but when the agency of heat
F
42 Materia Medica.
is necessary to give the solvent its fluid form, the solution is said
to be performed via sicca,
174. The dissolving power of each menstruum is limited, and
is determinate with regard to each solvend. The solubility of
bodies is also limited and determinate with regard to each men-
struum.
175. When any menstruum has dissolved the greatest possible
quantity of any solvend, it is said to be saturated with it. But, in
some cases, although saturated with one substance, it is still ca-
pable of dissolving others. Thus a saturated solution of muriate
of soda will dissolve a certain quantity of nitrate of potass, and
after that a portion of muriate of ammonia.
176. The dissolving power of solvents, and consequently the
solubility of solvends, are generally increased by increase of tem-
perature: and conversely, this power is diminished by diminu-
tion of temperature; so that, from a saturated solution, a separa-
tion of a portion of the solvend generally takes place on any
reduction of temperature. This property becomes extremely
useful in many chemical operations, especially in crystallization.
177. Particular terms have been applied to particular cases of
solution.
178. The solution of a fluid in the atmosphere is termed spon-
taneous evaporation. It is promoted by exposing a large surface,
by frequently renewing the air in contact with the surface, and
by increase of temperature.
179. Some solids have so strong an affinity for water, that they
attract it from the atmosphere in sufficient quantity to dissolve
them. These are said to deliquesce. Others, on the contrary, re-
tain their water of crystallization with so weak a force, that the
atmosphere attracts it from them, so that they crumble into pow-
der. These are said to effloresce. Both operations are promoted
by exposing large surfaces, and by a current of air; but the latter
is facilitated by u warm dry air, and the former by a cold humid
atmosphere.
180. Solution is also employed to separate substances, (for ex-
ample, saline bodies), which are soluble in the menstruum, from
others which are not. When our object is to obtain the soluble
substance in a state of purity, the operation is termed lixiviation,
and as small a quantity of the menstruum as is possible is used.
When, however, it is employed to free an insoluble substance
from soluble impurities, it is termed edulcoration, which is best
performed by using a very large quantity of the menstruum.
181. Organic products being generally composed of heteroge-
neous substances, are only partially soluble in the different men-
strua. To the solution of any of these substances, while the others
remain undissolved, the term extraction is applied; and when, by
Pharmaceutical Operations. 43
evaporation, the substance extracted is reduced to a solid form,
it is termed an Extract, which is hard or soft, watery or spiritous,
according to the degree of consistency it acquires, and the nature
of the menstruum employed.
182. Infusion is employed to extract the virtues of aromatic and
volatile substances, which would be dissipated by decoction, and
destroyed by maceration, and to separate substances of easy solu-
tion from others which are less soluble. The process consists in
pouring upon the substance to be infused, placed in a proper
vessel, the menstruum, either hot or cold, according to the direc-
tion, covering it up, agitating it frequently, and after a due time
straining or decanting off the liquor, which is now termed the In-
fusion.
183. Maceration differs from infusion, in being continued for
a longer time, and can only be employed for substances which
do not easily ferment or spoil.
184. Digestion, on the other hand, differs from maceration
only in the activity of the menstruum being promoted by a gentle
degree of heat. It is commonly performed in a glass matrass,
which should only be filled one third, and covered with a piece
of wet bladder, pierced with one or more small holes, so that the
evaporation of the menstruum may be prevented as much as pos-
sible, without risk of bursting the vessel. The vessel may be
heated, either by means of the sun's rays, of a common fire, or
of the sand-bath; and when the last is employed, the vessel should
not be sunk deeper in the sand than the portion that is filled.
Sometimes when the menstruum employed is valuable, a distil-
ling apparatus is used to prevent any waste of it. At other times,
a blind capital is luted on the matrass, or a smaller matrass is
inverted within a larger one; and as the vapour which arises is
condensed in it, and runs back into the larger, the process in this
form has got the name of Circulation.
185. Decoction is performed bv subjecting the substances ope-
rated on to a degree of heat which is sufficient to convert the
menstruum into vapour, and can only be employed with advan-
tage for extracting principles which are not volatile, and from
substances whose texture is so dense and compact as to resist
the less active methods of solution. When the menstruum is va-
luable, that portion of it which is converted into vapour, is ge-
nerally saved by condensing it in a distilling apparatus. (134)
186. Solutions in alcohol are termed Tinctures, and in vinegar
or wine, Medicated vinegar or wines. The solution of metals in
mercury is termed Amalgamation. The combinations of other
metals with each other form Alloys.
187. Absorption is the condensation of a gas into a fluid or solid
form, in consequence of its combination with a fluid or solid. It
is facilitated by increase of surface and agitation; and the power
44 Materia Medica.
of absorption in fluids is much increased by compression and di-
minution of temperature, although in every instance it be limited
and determinate. Dr. Nooth invented an ingenious apparatus for
combining gases with fluids, and Messrs. Schweppe, Paul and
Cuthbertson have very advantageously emploved compression.
188. Fluids often become solid by entering into combination
with solids, and this change is always accompanied by consi-
derable increase of temperature, as in the slaking of lime.
DECOMPOSITION.
189. Decomposition is the separation of bodies which were che-
mically combined.
190. It can only be effected by the agency of substances pos-
sessing a stronger affinity for one or more of the constituents of
the compound, than these possess for each other.
191. Decomposition has acquired various appellations, accord-
ing to the phenomena which accompany it.
192. Dissolution differs from solution in being accompanied by
the decomposition, or a change in the nature of the substance
dissolved. Thus, we correctly sav, a solution of lime in muriatic
acid, and a dissolution of chalk in muriatic arid.
193. Sometimes a gas is separated during the action of bodies
on each other. When this escapes with considerable violence and
agitation of the fluid, it is termed effervescence. The gas is very
frequently allowed to escape into the atmosphere, but at other
times is either collected in a pneumatic apparatus, or made to
enter into some new combination. The vessels in which an ef-
fervescing mixture is made, should be high and sufficiently large,
to prevent any loss of the materials from their running over, and
in some cases the mixture must be made slowly and gradually.
194. Precipitation is the reverse of solution. It comprehends
all those processes in which a solid is obtained by the decompo-
sition of a solution. The substance separated is termed a Preci-
pitate, if it sink to the bottom of the fluid; or a Cream, if it swim
above it. Precipitation, like solution, is performed either via hi:-
mida, or via sicca. (173)
195. The objects of precipitation are,
1. The separation of substances from solutions in which they
are contained.
2. The purification of solutions from precipitable impurities.
3. The formation of new combinations.
196. Precipitation is effected.
Pharmaceutical Operations, 45
1. By lessening the quantity of the solvent by evaporation.
2. By diminishing its powers, as by reduction of tempera-
ture or dilution.
3. Or bv the addition of some chemical agent, which from
its more powerful affinities,
a. Either combines with the solvent, and precipitates
the solvend;
b. Or forms itself an insoluble compound with some
constituent of the solution.
197. The two first means of precipitation have been already
noticed.
198. In performing it in the last manner, we may observe the
following rules:
1. The solution and precipitant must possess the requisite
degree of purity.
2. The solution should be perfectly saturated, to avoid unne-
cessary expenditure of the solvent or precipitant.
3. The one is to be added slowly and gradually to the other.
4. After each addition, they are to be thoroughly mixed by
agitation.
5. We must allow the mixture to settle, after we think that
enough of the precipitant has been added, and try a little
of the clear solution, by adding to it some of the precipi-
tant; if any precipitation takes place, we have not added
enough of the precipitant. This is necessary, not only to
avoid loss, but in many instances, the precipitant, if added
in excess, re-dissolves or combines with the precipitate.
199. After the precipitation is completed, the precipitate is to
be separated from the supernatant fluid by some of the means
already noticed.
200. When the precipitate is the chief object of our process, and
when it is not soluble in water, it is often advisable to dilute, to a
considerable degree, both the solution and precipitant, before
performing the operation. When it is only difficult!) soluble, we
must content ourselves with washing the precipitate, after it is se-
parated by filtration. In some cases the separation ot the precipi-
tate is much assisted by a gentle heat.
201. Crystallization is a species of precipitation, in which the
panicles of the solvend, on separating from the solution, assume
certain determinate forms.
202. The con itions necessary for crystallization are,
1. That the integrant particles have a tendency to arrange
46 Materia Medica.
themselves in a determinate manner, when acted on by
the attraction of aggregation.
2. That they be disaggregated, at least so far as to possess
sufficient mobility to assume their peculiar arrangement.
3. That the causes disaggregating them be slowly and gra-
dually removed.
203. Notwithstanding the immense variety in the forms of
crystals, M. Hauy has rendered it probable, that there are only
three forms of the integrant particles:
1. The parallelopiped.
2. The triangular prism.
3. The tetrahedron.
204. But as these particles may unite in different ways, either
by their faces or edges, they will compose crystals of various
forms.
205. The primtive forms have been reduced to six:
1. The parallelopiped.
2. The regular tetrahedron.
3. The octahedron with triangular faces.
4. The six-sided prism.
5. The dodecahedron terminated by rhombs.
6. The dodecahedron with isosceles triangular faces.
206. Almost all substances, on crystallizing, retain a portion
of water combined with them, which is essential to their exist-
ence as crystals, and is therefore denominated Water of crystal-
lization. Its quantity varies very much in different crystallized
substances.
207. The means by which the particles of bodies are disaggre-
gated, so as to admit of crystallization, are solution, fusion,
vaporization, or mechanical division and suspension in a fluid
medium.
208. The means by which the disaggregating causes are re-
moved, are, evaporation, reduction of temperature, and rest.
209. When bodies are merely suspended in a state of extreme
mechanical division, nothing but rest is necessary for their crys-
tallization.
210. When they are disaggregated by fusion or vaporization,
the regularity of their crystals depends on the slowness with which
their temperature is reduced; for if cooled too quickly, their par-
ticles have not time to arrange themselves, and are converted at
once into a confused or unvaried solid mass. Thus glass, which
when cooled quickly, is so perfectly uniform in its appearance,
when cooled slowly has a crystalline texture. But in order to ob-
Pharmaceutical Operations. 4,7
tain crystals by means of fusion, it is often necessary, after the
substance has begun to crystallize, to remove the part which re-
mains fluid, for otherwise it would fill up the interstices among
the crystals first formed, and give the whole the appearance of
one solid mass. Thus, after a crust has formed on the top of
melted sulphur, by pouring off the still fluid part, we obtain re-
gular crystals.
211. The means by which bodies, which have been disaggre-
gated by solution, are made to crystallize most regularly, vary
according to the habitudes of the bodies with their solvents and
caloric.
212. Some saline substances are much more soluble in hot than
in cold water. Therefore a boiling saturated solution of any of
these will deposite, on cooling, the excess of salt, which it is una-
ble to dissolve when cold. These salts commonly contain much
water of crystallization.
213. Other salts are scarcely, if at all, more soluble in hot than
in cold water; and, therefore, their solutions must be evaporated
either by heat or spontaneously. These salts commonly contain
little water of crystallization.
214. The beauty and size of the crystals depend upon the pu-
rity of the solution, its quantity, and the mode of conducting the
evaporation, and cooling.
215. When the salt is not more soluble in hot than in cold wa-
ter, by means of gentle evaporation a succession of pellicles are
formed on the top of the solution, which either are removed or
permitted to sink to the bottom by their own weight; and the eva-
poration is continued until the crystallization be completed.
216. But when the salt is capable of crystallizing on cooling,
the evaporation is only continued until a drop of the solution,
placed upon some cold body, shews a disposition to crystallize,
or at farthest only until the first appearance of a pellicle. The
solution is then covered up, and set aside to cool, and the more
slowly it cools, the more regular are the crystals. The mother-
water or solution, which remains after the crystals are formed,
may be repeatedly treated in the same way as long as it is capa-
ble of furnishing any more salt.
217. When very large and beautiful crystals are wanted, they
may be obtained by laying well formed crystals in a saturated
solution of the same salt, and turning them every day. In this
way their size may be considerably increased, though not with-
out limitation, for after a certain time they grow smaller instead
of larger.
218. Crystallization is employed,
1. To obtain crystallizable substances in a state of purity.
2. To separate them from each other, by taking advantage of
their different solubility at different temperatures.
48 Materia Medica.
OXYGEN1ZEMENT.
219. The combination of oxygen is the object of many chemi-
cal and pharmaceutical processes.
220. With regard to the maimer of combination, the oxyge-
nizement may take place ekher
a. Without the production of heat and light, to express
which there is no other than the generic term oxygdiize-
ment; or
b. With the production of heat and light; combustion.
1. In substances which remain fixed at the temperature
necessary for their combustion, there is no other
more specific term.
2. In substances which exist as gases, or are previously
reduced to the state of vapour by the temperature
necessary, it is termed inflammation; and if it pro-
ceed with very great violence and rapidity, defla-
gration.
221. Deflagration from its violence must always be performed
with caution. The common mode of conducting this process, is
to introduce the substances to be deflagrated together into any
convenient vessel, commonly an iron pot, or crucible, heated to
redness. But to obviate any inconvenience and to insure the suc-
cess of the process, they are previously made perfectly dry, redu-
ced to powder, and thoroughly mixed together, and they are de-
flagrated gradually, for example, by spoonfuls; but we must
take care always to examine the spoon, lest a spark should adhere
to it, which might set fire to the whole mass. During the process,
the portion introduced should be frequently stirred.
222. The oxygen necessary for the processes, may be derived
from the decomposition
a. Of oxygen gas or atmospheric air.
b. Of oxides.
c. Of acids and their combinations, especially the oxygeni-
zed muriatic and nitric acids.
223. The different modes of oxygenizement are intended,
either
a. To produce heat and light.
b. To obtain an oxygenized product:
1. An oxide, when the process may be termed Oxidize-
ment.
2. An acid, Acidification,
c. To remove an oxygenizable substance".
Pharmaceutical Operations, 49
224. Hydrogen, carbon, and nitrogen, are never, unless for
experiment, oxygenized as simple substances.
225. Sulphur is converted into sulphuric acid by burning it in
leaden chambers, or by deflagrating it with nitrate of potass; and
phosphorus is acidified by inflammation in the atmosphere.
226. Of all the simple oxygenizable substances, the metals are
most frequently combined with oxygen; and as, in consequence
of this combination, they lose their metallic appearance, they
were formerly said to be calcined or corroded.
227. Metals differ very much in the facility with which they
are oxygenized by the contact of oxygen gas. For some, as iron
and manganese, the ordinary temperature of the atmosphere is
sufficient; others, as gold and platinum, scarcely undergo any
change in the most violent heat. The operation is performed by
heating them to the requisite temperature, and exposing them to
the action of the air; and on the fusible metals it is promoted by
stirring them when melted.
228. Metals also differ in the mode of their action upon water.
They are either capable of decomposing water,
a. At ordinarv temperatures, as iron, zinc, manganese, &c.
If, At elevated temperatures, as antimony and tin; or,
c. When acted upon at the same time by an acid or an alka-
li, as copper, lead, bismuth; or, lastly,
d. They are incapable of decomposing it, as gold, silver,
mercury, platinum.
229. The oxygenizement of metals by water is promoted by
the action of air. Iron, for example, is more quickly rusted by
being merely moistened with water, than when totally immersed
in water.
230. But the acids are the most powerful agents in oxygenizing
metals. They do it in two ways, either
1. By enabling them to decompose water.
2. By being decomposed themselves.
231. Sulphuric acid is decomposed by very few metals, unless
assisted by considerable increase of temperature; but it powerful-
ly promotes the decomposition of water.
232. Nitric acid is decomposed by many of them with very
great violence, proceeding in some instances even to inflamma-
tion. It also oxygenizes them to the highest degree of which they
are susceptible. It seldom produces the decomposition of water.
233. Muriatic acid is never decomposed, and only acts on
those metals capable of decomposing water.
234. Oxygenized muriatic acid resembles the nitric, both in
G
50 Materia Medica.
the violence o£ its action, and in the extent to which it carries the
oxygenizement of the, metals.
235. The metals are susceptible of different degrees of oxyge-
nizement, some of them even of acidification, and in general,
they are more oxygenized according to the rapidity of the pro-
cess. When proceeding too slowly, it may be accelerated by heat;
when too violent, it must be checked by diminution of tempera-
ture, as by plunging the vessel in which the operation is perform-
ing into cold water.
236. When the degree of oxvgenizement is not very great, the
oxide formed, generally enters into combination with the acid
employed, and forms a metallic salt; but when carried to its
highest degree, the oxide is often insoluble.
DISOXYGEN1ZEMENT OF METALLIC OXIDES AND ACIDS.
237. This process was formerly termed reduction, from its re-
storing them to their metallic splendour; and is performed by
causing some body to act upon them, which has a greater affinity
for -ox^ gen than they have. The different metals themselves vary
very much in the degree of this affinity, so that they are reduced
with very different degrees of facility. Gold, silver, platinum,
and mercury, are reduced by merely exposing them to a sufficient
degree of heat in close vessels. The oxygen at this temperature
has a greater affinity for caloric than for the metals, and is there-
by driven off in the form of very pure oxygen gas.
238. The other metallic oxides which resist the simple action
of h<-at, may be reduced by melting them in contact with charcoal,
or substances which may be charred, such as oil, fat, rosin, pitch,
&c. Besides the charcoal, different saline fluxes are also added
to facilitate the fusion of the oxide.
239. The oxide to be reduced is mixed with a sufficient quan-
tity of any of these substances, and placed in the bottom of a cru-
cible, which is afterwards filled up with charcoal powder to pre-
vent entirely the access of the air, and exposed for a length of
time to a sufficiently high temperature, when a button of the me-
tal will commonly be found in the bottom of the crucible. Upon
the volatile metals, such as arsenic and zinc, this operation must
be performed in a distilling or subliming apparatus. Some metal-
lic oxides, such as those of platinum, columbium, &c. cannot be
reduced, from our being unable to produce a degree of heat suf-
ficient to melt them.
240. Metals may be also obtained from the metallic salts, by
inserting in a solution of these a plate of another metal, possessing
a stronger affinity for oxygen and for the acid. Thus copper is
precipitated by iron, and arsenic by zinc. We must only take
Pharmaceutical Operations. 51
care that the two metals have no remarkable affinity for each
other, as in that case an alloy is commonly produced. For exam-
ple, when mercury is placed in a solution of silver, a crystallized
amalgam of silver is obtained, formerly called the Arbor Dianse.
241. The compound oxides may be further oxygenized, by
treating them with nitric acid. In this way various acids are
formed, according to the nature of the oxide operated on, the
quantity of the acid, and the mode of conducting the process.
242. They also undergo changes by gradually combining with
the oxygen of the atmosphere. In some cases, this combination
is attended with remarkable phenomena, which have been classed
under the term fermentation.
243. There are several species of fermentation, which have
been named from the products they afford.
1. The saccharine, which produces sugar.
2. The vinous, which produces wine, beer, and similar fluids,
3. The panary, which produces bread.
4. The acetous, which produces vinegar.
5. The putrefactive, which produces ammonia.
244. The same substances are sometimes capable of undergo-
ing the first, second, fourth, and fifth; or third, lourth, and tilth,
successively, but never in a retrograde order.
245. The conditions necessary for all of them, are,
1. The presence of a sufficient quantity of fermentable matter.
2. The presence of a certain proportion of water.
3. The contact of atmospheric air; and,
4. A certain temperature.
246. The saccharine fermentation. — The seeds of barley, when
moistened with a certain quantity of water, and exposed to the
contact of the atmospheric air, at a temperature of not less than
JO°, swell, and show marks of incipient vegetation, by pushing
forth the radicle. If at this period the fermentation be checked,
by exposing them to a considerable degree of heat, and drying
them thoroughlv, the insipid amylaceous matter, of which the
seeds principally consisted, will be found to be changed in part
into a sweet saccharine substance. The oxygen of the air, in con-
tact with the seeds, is at the same time converted into carbonic
acid gas, by combining with part of the carbon of the seeds; and
there is a considerable increase of temperature in the fermenting
mass, even to such a degree as sometimes to set it on fire. Simi-
lar phenomena occur in the maturation of fruits, in the cookery
of some roots and fruits, and during the heating of hay, when
put up too wet.
52 Materia Medica.
247. The vinous fermentation. — The conditions necessary for
the vinous fermentation, are the presence of proper proportions
of sugar, acid, extract, and water, and a temperature of about 70°.
When these circumstances exist, an intestine motion commences
in the fluid; it becomes thick and muddy; its temperature in-
creases, and carbonic acid gas is evolved. After a time the fer-
mentation ceases; the feces rise to the top, or subside to the
bottom; the liquor becomes clear; it has lost its saccharine taste,
and assumed a new one, and its specific gravity is diminished.
If the fermentation has been complete, the sugar is entirely de-
composed, and the fermented liquor consists of a large proportion
of water, of alcohol, of malic acid, of extract, of essential oil, and
colouring matter. The substances most commonly subjected to
this fermentation, are, Must, which is the expressed juice of the
grape, and which produces the best wines; the juice of the cur-
rant and gooseberry, which, with the addition of sugar, form our
home-made wines; the juices of the apple and pear, which give
cider and perry; and an infusion of malt, which, when fermented
with yeast, forms beer. The briskness and sparkling of some of
these liquors, depend on their being put into close vessels before
the fermentation is completed, by which means a portion of car-
bonic acid gas is retained.
248. The acetous fermentation. — All vinous liquors are suscep-
tible of the acetous fermentation, provided they be exposed to
the action of the atmosphere, in a temperature not less than 70°.
An intestine motion and hissing noise sensibly take place in the
fluid;*it becomes turbid, with filaments floating in it, and its tem-
perature increases; it exhales a pungent acid smell, without any
disengagement of carbonic acid gas. Gradually these phenomena
cease; the temperature decreases; the motion subsides, and the
liquor becomes clear, having deposited a sediment and red glairy
matter, which adheres to the sides of the vessel. During this pro-
cess, the alcohol and malic acid disappear entirely, oxygen is
absorbed, and acetous acid formed.
249. The panary and colouring fermentation — is less under-
stood than those already described. A paste of wheat flour and
water exposed at a temperature of 65°, swells, emits a small
quantity of gas, and acquires new properties. The gluten disap-
pears, and it acquires a sour disagreeable taste. If a just propor-
tion of this fermented paste or leaven, or, what is still better, if
some barm be formed into a paste with wheat flour and water,
the same fermentation is excited, without the disagreeable taste
being produced; the gas evolved is prevented from escaping by
the viscidity of the paste, which therefore swells, and, if baked,
forms light, spongy bread. (
250. The putrefactive fermentation. — Although vegetable sub-
Pharmaceutic^ Operations, 53
stances, when they are destroyed by spontaneous decomposition,
are said to putrefy, we shall consider this ferme ntation as belong-
ing exclusively to animal substances, or those which contain ni-
trogen as an elementary principle. The essential conditions of
putrefaction are humidity, and a temperature between 45° and
110°. The presence of air, the diminution of pressure, and the
addition of ferments, are not essential, but accelerate its progress.
The smell is at first insipid and disagreeable, but afterwards in-
supportably fetid, although the fetor for a time is somewhat
diminished by the mixture of an ammoniacal odour. Liquids be-
come turbid and flocculent. Soft substances melt down into a ge-
latinous muss, in which there is a kind of gentle motion and
swelling up, from the slow and scanty formation of elastic fluids.
Solids, besides the general softening, exude a serosity of various
colours, and by degrees the whole mass dissolves, the swelling
ceases, the matter settles, and its colour deepens; at last its odour
becomes somewhat aromatic, its elements are finely dissipated,
and there remains only a kind of fat, viscid, and still fetid mould.
The products of putrefaction are carburetted, sulphuretted, and
phosphuretted hydrogen gases, water, ammonia, azote, and car-
bonic acid. These are all dissipated in the form of gas or vapour.
When in contact with air, oxygen is absorbed. Acetic acid, a
fatty matter, a soap composed of this fat and ammonia, and often
the nitric acid, fixed by a salifiable base, are also produced; and
the ultimate remains, besides salts, composed of acid and earths,
contain for a long time a portion of fat charry matter.
APPENDIX.
APPENDIX.
TABLES OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
TROY OR APOTHECARIES' WEIGHT.
Pound.
1
ft
Ounces.
12
Drachms.
96
8
1
3
Scruples.
288
24
3
Grains.
= 5760
= 480
= 60
= 20
1
gr.
Grammes.
372.96
31.08
3.885
1.295
0.06475
AVOIRDUPOIS WEIGHT
Pound.
Ounces.
Drachms.
Grains.
Grammes
1
sa
16
=
256
=
7000 =
453.25
1
=
16
=
437.5 =
28.32
1
=
27.975 =
1.81
MEASURES.
Gallon. Pints. Ounces. Drachms. Cud. Inch.
Litres.
1 « 8 = 128 = 1024 = 231
=
3.78515
1 == 16 = 128 = 28.875
BB
0.47398
1 = 8 = 1.8047
SS
0.02957
1 = 0.2256
=
0.00396
SIGNS OF QUANTITY.
A pound
An ounce
A drachm
3'
A' scruple $i
A grain gr. i
App. Weights and Measures. 57
Reduction of the Ounce Measures used by Dr. Priestley to
Cubical Inches,
Ounce Measures.
Wrench Cubical Inches.
English Cubical Inches
1
1.567
1.898
2
3.134
3.796
3
4.701
5.694
4
6.268
7.592
5
7.835
9.490
6
9.402
11.388
7
10.969
13.286
8
12.536
15.184
9
14.103
17.082
10
15.670
18.980
20
31.340
37.960
30
47.010
56.940
40
62.680
75.920
50
78.350
94.900
60
94.020
113.880
70
109.690
132.860
80
125.360
151.840
90
141.030
170.820
100
156.700
189.800
1000
1567.000
1898.000
Correspondence between English and Foreign Weights and
Measures.
NEW FRENCH.
' To employ, as the fundamental unity of all measures, a type taken
* from nature itself, a type as unchangeable as the globe on which we
1 dwell; to propose a metrical system, of which all the parts are inti-
* mately connected together, and of which the multiples and subdivi-
6 sions follow a natural progression which is simple, easy to compre-
* hend: this is most assuredly a beautiful, great, and sublime idea, worthy
4 of the enlightened age in which we live.'
Such were the ideas which influenced the French National Institute,
when they chose as the base of the whole metrical system, the fourth
part of the terrestrial meridian between the equator and the north pole.
They adopted the ten millionth part of this arc for the unity of measure,
which they denominated metre, and applied it both to superficial and
solid measures, taking for the unity of the former the square of the
decuple, and for that of the latter the cube of the tenth part of the
metre. They chose for the unity of weight, the quantity of distilled
water which the same cube contains when reduced to a constant state
presented by nature itself; and lastly, they decided that the multiples
and sub-multiples of each kind of measure, whether of weight, capacity,
surface, or length, should be alwavs taken in the decimal progression.
H
58
Elements of Pharmacy.
App.
as being the most simple, the most natural, and the most easy, for cal-
culation, according to the system of numeration which all Europe has
employed for centuries.
By a careful measurement of the arc between Dunkirk and Mount-
joy, they found the length of the metre to be equal to 443.296 lines of
the toise of Peru. The cubic decimetre of distilled water, taken as its
maximum of density and weight in vacuo, that is the unity of weight,
was found to be 18827.15 grains of the pile of Charlemagne. By actual
comparison, the metre was found to be equal to 39.371 English inches
at 62°, the temperature universally employed in the comparison of
English standards: and upon these data the following tables have been
constructed.
Measures of Length.
The Metre being at 32°, and the Foot at 62°.
English Inches.
Millimetre
=
.03937
Centimetre
=
.39371
Decimetre
=
3.93710
Metre
=
39.37100
Mil. Fur. Tards.
Feet
Inch.
Decametre
=
393.71000
= 00 10
2
9.7
Hecatometre
=
3937.10000
=0 0 109
1
1
Chiliometre
=
39371.00000
=0 4 213
1
10.2
Myriometre
393710.00000
Measures
Cubic Inches.
=6 1 156
of Capacity.
0
6
Millilitre
as
.06108
Centilitre
=
.61028
ENGLISH.
Decilitre
=
6.10280
Tuns. Hogs. Wine Gal.
Pints:
Litre
=
61.02800
= 000.
2.1133
Decalitre
=
610.28000
= 002.
5.1352
Hecatolitre
=
6102.80000
= 00 26.419
Chiliolitre
SB
61028.00000
= I 0 12.19
Myriolitre
=
610280.00000
= 10 1 58.9
Measures of Weight.
English Grains.
Milligramme
=
.0154
Centigramme
=
.1544
Decigramme
=
1.5444
AVOIRDUPOIS.
Gramme
=
15.4440
Pound.
Oun.
Drachm
Decagramme
=
154.4402
= 0
0
5.65
Hecatogramme
=
1544.4023
= 0
3
8.5
Chiliogramme
=
15444.0234
= 2
3,
5
Myriogramme
=
154440.2344
= 22
1
o
App. Weights and Measures. 59
Table showing the Comparison between Grammes and Troy,
French, and Nuremberg, Apothecary Grains,
Gramme. Troy. I', id de Marc Nuremberg.
1 = 15.444 sa 18.883 = 16.128
2 = 30888 = 37.766 = 32.256
3 = 46.332 = 56.648 = 48.384
4 = 61.776 = 75.530 = 64.512
5 = 77.220 = 94.413 = 80.641
6 = 92.664 == 113.296 = 96.769
7 = 108.108 = 132.179 = 112.897
8 == 123.552 = 151.062 = 129.026
9 = 138 996 = 169.944 = 145.154
10 == 154.440 = 188.827 = 161.282
Weights and Measures used in France before the Revolution,
WEIGHTS.
The Paris pound, poids de marc of Charlemagne, contains 9216 Paris
grains; it is divided into 16 ounces, each ounce into 8 gros, 'and each
gros into 72 grains. It is equal to 7561 English troy grains.
The English troy pound of 12 ounces contains 5760 English troy
grains, and is equal to 7021 Paris grains.
The English avoirdupois pound of 16 ounces contains 7000 English
troy grains, and is equal to 85 38 Paris grains.
To reduce Paris grains to English troy grains,
divide by
To reduce English troy grains to Paris grain;
multiply by
To reduce Paris ounces to English troy, divide
t bji T^ i- "u . ™ • " i • !
1 o reduce English troy ounces to Paris, multi-
plyby
Or the conversion may be made by means of the following tables:
Division of French Weights,
Found.
Ounces. D
racinns. Scruples.
Grains
Troy gr.
Poids du Marc 1
16 =
128
sa 384
ss
9216
as
7561
Apothecary 1
12 =
96
= 288
as
6912
=
5670.5
W
1 ss
8
as 24
SB
576
SB
472.56
1
= 3
=
72
ss
59.073
1
as
24
1
__
19.689
0.8204
60
Elements of Pharmacy.
App.
To reduce English Troy to Paris Weight
The English troy pound of 12 ounces = 7021.
The troy ounce - = 585 0833
The drachm of 60 grains -
The penny weight, or denier, of 24 £ __
grains -
The scruple of 20 grains -
The grain -
73.1354
29.2541
14.3784
1.2189
Paris grains.
To reduce English Avoirdupois to Paris Weight.
Paris grains.
The avoirdupois pound of 16 ounces,
or 7000 troy grains
The ounce -
8538.
533.6250
}
Table, showing the Comparison between French and English
Grains {Poid de Marc.)
French grs. =
= English grs.
English grs. '-
= French grs.
1
0.8203
1
1.2189
2
1.6407
2
2.4378
3
2.4611
3
3.6568
4
3.2815
4
4.8757
5
4.1019
5
6.0947
6
4.9223
6
7.3136
7
5.7427
7
8.5325
8
6.5631
8
9.7515
9
7.3835
9
10.9704
10
8.2030
10
12.1890
065977
Long and Cubical Measures.
To reduce Paris running feet, or inches, into English,
multiply by
English running feet, or inches, into Paris, divide by
To reduce Paris cubic feet, or inches, to English,
multiply by
English cubic feet, or inches, to Paris, divide by
Or by means of the following tables:
To reduce Paris Long Measure to English.
The Paris royal foot of 12 inches == 12.7977")
The inch
The line, or 1-1 2th of an inch =
The l-12thofaline - - =
1.0664 I „ .... ,
.0888 f EnSllsh mches'
.0074J (
App. Weights and Measures. 61
To reduce English Long Measure to French,
The English foot - - - = 11.2596'
The inch = .9383
The 1 -8th of an inch = .1 173 V Paris inches
The l-10th = .0938
The line, or l-12th = .0782
To reduce French Cube Measure to Eiiglish.
TheJanscubeJ =12]12r8 lEngtohf mUMnm
The cubic inch = .000700 J feet, or (_ 1.211278
}
To reduce E?iglish Cube Measure to French *
The English cube foot, or 1728 > _ 4864~1
cubical inches - - 3 " I French cubical
The cubical inch = .8260 f inches.
The cube tenth - - = .000&J
Measure of Capacity.
The Paris pint contains 58.145 t English cubical inches, and the
English wine-pint contains 28.875 \ cubical inches; or, the Paris pint
contains 2.0171082 English pints, and the English pint contains .49617
Paris pints; hence,
To reduce the Paris pint to the English, multiply by > 2 omo82
To reduce the English pint to the Paris, divide by 5
The septier of Paris is 7736 French, or 9370.45 English, cubical
inches; and the muid is 92832 French, or 112445.4 English, cubical
inches.
* To convert the weight of a French cubic foot, of any particular substance
given in French grains, into the corresponding weight of an English cubic
foot in English troy grains, multiply the French grains by 0.6773181, and the
product is the number of English troy grains contained in an English cubic
foot of the same substance.
\ It is said by Belidor, Archit. Hjdrog. to contain 31 oz. 64 grains of water,
which makes it 58.075 English inches; but, as there is considerable uncertainty
in the determinations of the weight of the French cubical measure of water,
owing to the uncertainty of the standards made use of, it is better to abide by
Mr. Everard's measure, which was made by ihe Exchequer standards, and by
the proportions of the English and French foot, as established by the French
Academy and Royal Society.
\ According to Beaume, the Paris pint contains 32 French ounces of water,
at the temperature of 54.5° of Fahrenheit; which would make it equal to 59.729
English cubical inches.
62
Elements of Pharmacy.
App.
Table, showing- the Comparison between French and English
Cubical Inches.
Cubic Inches.
Cubic Inches.
French = Engtih.
English = French.
1
1.2136
1
0.8239
2
2.4272
2
1.6479
3
3.6408
3
2.4719
4
4.8544
4
3.2958
5
6.0681
5
4.1198
6
7.2817
6
4.9438
7
8.4953
7
5.7677
8
9.7089
8
6.5917
9
10.9225
9
7.4157
10
12.1360
10
8.2390
Marc.
1
Pound.
1
Ounces.
8
1
GERMAN.
Cologne Weight.
Drachms.
64
8
1
Pennyweights.
256
32
4
1
Troy Grains.
Nuremberg, or Apothecaries Weight.
Ounces.
12
1
Drachms.
96
8
1
Scruples.
288
24
3
1
Grains.
5760
480
60
20
Troy Grains
5388
460.5
: 57.5
19.2
0.96
Swedish Weights and Measures, used by Bergman and Scheele.
The Swedish pound, which is divided like the English apothecary,
or troy, pound, weighs 6556 grains troy.
The kanne of pure water, according to Bergman, weighs 42250
Swedish grains, and occupies 100 Swedish cuhical inches. Hence
the kanne of pure water weighs 48088.719444 English troy grains, or
is equal to 189.9413 English cubic inches; and the Swedish longitu-
dinal inch is equal to 1.238435 English longitudinal inches.
From these data, the following rules are deduced:
1 . To reduce Swedish longitudinal inches to English, multiply by
1.2384, or divide by 0.807471
2. To reduce Swedish to English cubical inches, multiply by 1.9, or
divide by 0.5265.
App.
JVeights andmMeasures.
63
3. To reduce the Swedish pound, ounce, drachm, scruple, or grain,
to the corresponding English troy denomination, multiply by 1.1 38-,
or divide by .8786.
4. To reduce the Swedish kannes to English wine-pints, multiply
by .1520207, or divide by 6.57804.
5. The lod, a weight sometimes used by Bergman, is the 32d part
of the Swedish pound: therefore to reduce it to the English troy pound,
multiply by .03557, or divide by 28.1 156.
Relation of the Pound Weight in different Countries of Europe
to each other: in French Grains.
Warsaw
15288
Dantzic *
8791
Vienna
10688
Madrid -
8656
Amsterdam
- 9258
Frankfort -
8650
Geneva
9234
Marseilles
8054
Paris -
- 9216
Stockholm -
8000
Lisbon
9212
London -
7140
Strasburgh -
- - 9015
German apothecary
6733
Copenhagen
8876
Florence and Rome
6386
Berlin
8816
Naples -
6218
Manheim
- 8804.5
Genoa ....
6180
Hamburgh
8799.5
Milan
5400
Cologne
- - 8797.5
Venice
5040
TABLES OF SPECIFIC GRAVITIES.
Metals.
Platinum
23.000
Gold .
19.361
Tungsten -
- 176
Mercury at — 40° -
15 612
. . . ."at 47° -
- 13.545
Sulphuret of ditto •
10.
Palladium ...
- 11.871
Rhodium
11.+
Lead -
11.352
Sulphuret of ditto
7.
Silver -
10.510
. . . . sulphuret -
- 7.2
Bismuth -
- 9.822
sulphuret
6.131
Uranium
- 9.
Copper .
8.895
Nickel
- 8.666
Molybdenum
- 8.600
sulphuret
4.73
Arsenic
- 8.310
Arsenic, sulphuret, red
3.225
yellow
- 5.315
Iron ....
- 7.788
.... sulphuret -
4.518
. . . . Buper-sulphuret
4.83
Cobalt ....
7.700
Tin ...
- 7.299
Zinc
6.861
Manganese - - -
6.850
Antimony ...
- 6.712
. . . . sulphuret -
4.368
Tellurium - -
6.115
Inflammables.
Sulphur, native
2.0332
. . . . melted
1.9907
Phosphorus ...
1.714
Diamond
3.521?
Charcoal -
0.441
64
Elements of Pharmacy.
App.
Saline Substances*
Sulphuric acid
Nitric
Muriatic
Acetic
Red vinegar -
White ditto
Distilled
Phosphoric
Citric -
Arsenious
Potass
sulphate
.... sulphite
nitrate -
..... muriate -
carbonate
supertartrate
.... tartrate
Soda -
sulphate -
muriate
..... subborate
2.125
1.504
1.194
1.0626
1025
1.014
1.010
1.5575
1.0345
1.8131
Soda,
1.7085
4.6215
2.298
2.636
2.4073
1.586
1.933
1.900
1.9369
2.15
1836
2012
2749
1.953
1.8745
1.5567
1336
2.246
1380
1.4457
2.125
2.120
2.143
2.200
1.740
1.720
H
K
Wai
Wat
H
V
Wat
Wal
H
F
K
H
M
H
M
H
H
Wal
Wat
H
F
K
Wat
H
K
Wal
subborate
phosphate
subcarbonate-
acetate
1.757
1.333
1.3591
1.421
2.1
Wat
H
H
K
H
.... and potash tartrate 1757 Wat
Ammonia, liquid - - 0.9054 D
muriate - 1450 Wat
1.453 Wal
1420 K
carbonate - 0.966 H
1.824 K
1.5026 M
1.450 V
2.3908 K
2.37 M
1.5233 H
1.76 H
2.7
2 3298 K
0.346 H
sulphate - 1.6603 H
carbonate - 0.2941 H
Barytes ... 4. K
2.374 H
muriate - 2.8257 H
carbonate, native 4.331
artificial 3.763
Alumina - - - 2.000 K
0.8200 H
(Alum) - . 1.7109 H
1.719 Wal
1.757 Wat
1.738 F
1.714 N
1.726 M
Lime
muriate
carbonate
Magnesia
Metallic Salts.
Mercury, muriate of -
submuriate
phosphate -
subsulphate
Copper, sulphate of -
acetate
Iron, sulphate of -
calcined
5.1398 H
Lead, sulphate
4.142 Wat
carbonate
7.1758 H
acetate -
4.9835 H
Zinc, sulphate
6444 Wat
2.1943 H
2.230 Wat
1.779 H
.
1.8399 H
1.880 Wal ,
1.812 Wat
.
2.636 Wat
1.8742
7.2357
2.345
2.3953
1.933
1.912
1.712
H
H
M
Wat
H
N
D Davy. H Hassenfratz. K Kirwan. M Muschenbroek. Wal Wallerius.
Wat Watson. F Fahrenheit. V Vauquelin. N Newton.
APP«
Specific Gmvities.
65
Solutions of Salts at 42° Fahrenheit, Watson.
Saturated.
In 12 Waters
Lime ....
1.001
Arsenious acid
- 1.005
Subborate of soda
T.010
Muriate of mercury
1037
Alum - - - -
1.033
Sulphate of soda -
- 1.U52 -
1.029
potash -
1.054
Muriate of soda
- 1.198 -
1-059
Arseniate of potash - -
- 1.184
Muriate of ammonia
- 1.072 -
1.026
Carbonate of ditto
1.077
Nitrate of potash
- 1.095 -
1.050
Tartrate of potash and soda
1.114
Sulphate of copper
- 1.150 -
1.052
iron
1.157
- 1 043
- 1.218
1.386
1.534
- 1.045
Subcarbonate of potash
Extracts, Gums, Resins.
Acacia prunus spinosa - 1.5153
Elemi
.
1.0682
Aloes hepatic - - - 13586
Euphorbium
.
1.1244
socotrine - - 1.3796
Galbanum
.
1.2120
Alouchi .... 1.0604
Galipot -
-
1.0819
Amber yellow, transparent 1 0780
Gamboge -
.
1.2216
opaque - - 1.0855
Guaiac -
.
1 2289
red ... l 0834
Lac -
.
1.1390
f-rppn 1 fjS°0
Honey -
H\pociste
l.'i.iOO
a u • C 0-7800
Ambergns - - - ^^
. . .
15263
Liquorice -
.
1.7228
Ammoniac - - - 1.2071
Indigo .
. -
07690
Anime, oriental - - - 10284
Ivy ' -
.
1.2948
occidentil * 1 ^4^^
Labdanum
n
1.1862
Arabic ... - - 1.4523
Mastic
.
10742
Arcanson - - - 1 0857
Myrrh
.
1.3600
Areca (Catechu?) - • 14573
Olibanum -
.
1.1732
Arriotto .... 05956
Opium -
-
1.3365
. u i , • C 1.450
Asphaltum, cohesive - < ^ 060
Opoponax -
Resin of Jala]
> - " . "•
1.6226
1 2185
Rosin
-
1 07^27
compact - 1 1.165
Sandarac •
-
10920
Assafoetida - '- - 13275
Sagapenum
.
1.^008
Baras .... 1.0441
Sarcocol -
.
1.2684
Bdellium .... 1.1377
Scammony of
Aleppo -
12354
Benzoin .... 1.0924
Smvrna
1.2743
Bitumen of Judea - - 1104
Inspissated juice of St. John's
Cachibou - 10640
wort
-
15263
Camphor . . - - 0 9887
Storax
-
1.1098
Caoutchouc - . - 0 9335
Sugar, white
-
1.6060
Caragna - - - 1-1244
Tacamahaca
.
1.0463
Catechu - 1-4573
Tragacanth
-
1.3161
Cherry - 1-4817
Turpentine
-
0.991
Copal, opaque - - - 11398
Wax, ouarouchi -
0 8970
transparent - - 1-0452
bees
.
0.9648
Cork .... 02400
Dragons blood - - - 1.2045
white
0 9686
0.897
shoemakers'
I
66
Elements of Pharmacy.
Volatile.
Cinnamon
Cloves
Lavender
Mint
Sage
Thyme
Rosemary
Calamint
Scurvy grass
Wormwood
Tansy
Chamomile
Savine
Fennel
■ seed
Coriander-seed
Caraway-seed
Dillseed
Aniseseed
Juniper
Turpentine
Amber
Orange flower
Hyssop
Cinchona
Log-wood
Madder
Sulphuric
Nitric
Muriatic
OILS.
1.044
1.036
0.894
0.8982
0.9016
0.9023
0.9057
0.9116
0.9427
0.9078
0.9949
0.8943
0.9294
0.9294
1.0083
0.8655
0.9049
0.91-28
0.9867
0.8577
0.8697
0.8867
08798
0.8892
Fixed.
Tallow
Fat of beef
mutton
veal
pork
Naphtha
Butter
Caiva butter
Oil of filberts
walnut
hemp-seed
poppies
rape -seed
lint-seed
whale
ben
beechmast
cod-fish
olives
almonds
Spermaceti
WOODS, BARKS, &C.
0.7840 Mahogany
0.9130 Red saunders
0.7650 Sassafras
ALCOHOL. ETHERS.
0.7396
0.9088
0.7296
Acetic
Alcohol
Proof spirit
App.
09419
0 9232
0.9235
0.9342
0.9368
0.8475
0.9423
0.8916
0.916
0.9227
0.9258
0.9238
0.9193
0.9403
0.9233
0.9119
0.9176
0.9233
0.9153
0.9170
0.9433
1.0630
11280
04820
08664
0.8293
0.916
Table for Reducing the Degrees of Baume's Hydrometer to the Com.'
mon Standard.
BAUME'S HYDROMETER FOR LIQUIDS LIGHTER THAN WATER.
Temperature 55° Fahrenheit, or 10° Reaumur.
Beg.
Sp. Gr.
Deg.
Sp. Gr.
Deg.
Sp. Gr.
Deg.
Sp. Gr.
10
1.000
18
.942
26
.892
34
.847
11
.990
19
.935
27
.886
35
.842
12
.982
20
.928
28
.880
36
.837
13
.977
21
.922
29
.874
37
.832
14
.970
22
.915
30
.867
38
.827
15
.963
23
.909
31
.871
39
.822
16
.955
24
.903
32
.856
40
.817
17
.949
25
.897
33
.852
liqu
IDS HEAVIER THAN WATER.
Deg.
Sp. Gr.
Deg.
Sp. Gr.
Deg.
8p.Gr.
Deg.
Sp. Gr.
0
1.000
21
1.170
42
1.414
63
1.779
3
1020
24
1.200
45
1.455
66
1.848
6
1.040
27
1.230
48
-* 1.500
69
1.920
9
1.064
30
1.261
51
1.547
72
- 2.000
12
1.089
33
1.295
54
1.594
15
1.114
36
1.333
57
1.659
18
1.M0
39
1.373
60
- 1.717
App.
Specific Gravities,
hi
Comparative Weights of Gaseous Fluids.
100 CUBIC INCHES.
SPECIFIC GRAVITY.
French, in French
E
ngli-sh, in Troy
Standard.
grains.
grains.
Water.
Air.
Water 3741'
1000.
813.5 Lavoisier.
Ditto
2524!
814.3 Shuckburgh:.
Atmospheric air
46.
1.2293
1. Lavoisier.
Ditto
31.
1.2279
1. S. Kir wan.
Oxygen
51.
1365
1.11 Lavoisier.
Ditto
34.
1.35
1.09 Kir wan.
Ditto
35.09
1.39
1.13 Davy.
Nitrogen
44.44
1.19
0.965 Lavoisier.
Ditto
30.535
1.21
0.985 Kirwan.
Ditto
30.45
1.20
' 0.98 Davy.
Ammonia
18.16
0715
0.586 Kirwan.
Ditto
18.
0.713
0.58 Daw.
Hydrogen
3.5
0.0935
0.076 Lavoisier.
Ditto
2.613
0.1031
0.084 Kirwan.
Hydrocarbonous oxide
from camphor
21.
0.83
0.677 Cruickshank
from stagnant water
20.66
0.666 Dalton.
from coal
20.2
0.650 Dalton.
from ether
20.
0.78
0.645 Cr.
from alcohol
16.
0.632
0.516 Cr.
from water over charcoal
14.5
0.573
0.467 Cr.
Olefiant gas
28.18
0.905 Deiman.
Vapour of alcohol
515*
2. 100 Dalton.
ether
62-lf
2.250 Dalton.
Carbonic oxide
30.
1.185
0.965 Cr.
Carbonic acid
46.5
1.84
1.5 Kirwati.
45.5
1.802
1.47 Davy.
Nitrous oxide
50.1
1.985
1.615 Ditto.
Nitric oxide
37.
1.465
1.193 Kirwan.
Ditto
34.3
1.36
1.105 Davy.
Nitric acid
76.
3.
2.425 Ditto.
Sulphuretted hydrogen
34.286
1.36
1205 Kirwan
ditto
3817
1.231 Thenard
Sulphurous acid
70.215
2.75
2-24 Ditto.
Muriatic acid
66.
1.765
1.43 Brisson.
Ditto
59.8
1.929 Kirwan.
HEAT.
Correspondence between different Thermometers,
Fahrenheit's thermometer is universally used in Great Britain, and
for the most part throughout the United States. In it the range
between the freezing and boiling points of water is divided into 180
degrees; and as the greatest possible degree of cold was supposed to
be that produced by mixing snow and muriate of soda, it was made the
zero, hence the freezing point became 32°, and the boiling point 212°.f
* Of temperature 190° Fahr. and force = 30 inches of mercury,
f Of temperature 100° Fahr. and force =30 inches of mercury.
% The freezing point would appear to be the most natural commencement
of the scale or Zero: and here we find both Reaumur's and the Centigrade
68 Elements of Pharmacy. App,
The Centigrade thermometer places the zero at the freezing point,
and divides the range between it and the boiling point into 100 . This
has long been used in Sweden under the title of Celsius's thermometer.
Reaumur's thermometer, which was formerly used in France, divides
the space between the freezing and boiling of water into 80-, and
places the zero at the freezing point.
Wedgewood's pyrometer is only intended to measure very high
temperatures. Its zero corresponds with 1077° of Fahrenheit's, and
each degree of Wedgewood is equal to 130 of Fahrenheit.
De Lisle's thermometer is used in Russia. The graduation begins
at the boiling point, and increases towards the freezing point. The
boiling point is marked 0, and the freezing point 150.
Therefore 180 F = 100- C = 80 R = 150° D = — W.
Formula.
1, To reduce centigrade degrees to those of Fahrenheit, multi-
ply by 9 and divide by 5, and to the quotient add 32, that is,
^JL + 32 = f.
p 32x5
2, To reduce Fahrenheit's degrees to centigrade, = C.
R X 9
3, To reduce Reaumur's to Fahrenheit's, — h 32 = F.
Y 32 x 4
4, To convert Fahrenheit to Reaumur, = R.
5, To reduce De Lisle's degrees under the boiling point, we have
212 = F. To reduce those above the boiling point.
6, And, inversely, to reduce Fahrenheit's degrees to De Lisle's,
, . ... • 1060 — F X 5 _ , , .,.
under the boiling point = — D; above the boiling
. F X 5 — 10G0 _^
point = -f- D.
6
7, To reduce Wedgewood's degrees to those of Fahrenheit*
W X 130 -f- 1077 = F.
F .1077
8, Inversely, to reduce Fahrenheit to Wedgewood, — — == W.
Thermometer coincide. In fact, this is a very incorrect mode of determining
the Zero, as a reference to the table of freezing mixture will show. Equal parts
of snow and muriate of soda, sink the mercury lo 0, whilst two of snow and
one of the salt, carry it 5° lower. The present range of 180° between the freez-
ing and boiling points, is a very convenient one for the regular division of the
scale: and it will also facilitate the reduction of the various scales to each
other. I have several times adapted this scale to thermometer tubes, and
cannot but wish it was in general use. I shall take the liberty to call it the
American Thermometer.
App.
Effects of Heat.
69
Table of the Effects of Heat.
1. Freezing points of Liquids.
Reau.
— 44
—35
—32
—30
—23
— 19
— 17
— 14
—7
— 5
—4
—3
—2
0
+ 2
6
14
4
22
29
30
32
34
36
42
49
50
55
80
89
90
112
120
134
182
190
197
258
Cent.
— 66
—43
—39
—37
—30
—24
\Fahren
—55
—46
—39
—36
—22
■ 11
— 14
—7
— 17
+ 1 !
—9
16 j
— 6
20 !
—5
23
— 4
25
—2.5
28
-12.5
30
0
32
+2.5
36
7
45
17
64
5
40
28
82
36
97
37
99
40
104
42
109
45
112
53
127
61
142
63
145
79
155
100
212
111
234
116
235
140
283
150
3('3
168
334
227
442
238
460
248
476
325
612
I Avner.
—87
—78
,—71
j— 68
—54
—43
—39
—33
— 16
— 12
—9
—2
0
+ 4
13
32
8
50
65
67
72
77
80
95
110
113
123
180
202
203
251
271
302
410
428
444
580
Strongest Nitric acid freezes (Cavendish)
Ether and liquid ammonia
Mercury
Sulphuric acid (Thomson)
Acetous acid
2 Alcohol, 1 water
Brandy
Strongest sulphuric acid (Cavendish)
Oil of turpentine (Margneron)
Strong wines
Fluoric acid
Oils, bergamot and cinnamon
Human blood
Vinegar
Milk
Oxymuriatic acid
\\ ater
Olive oil
Sulphuric acid, specific gravity 1.78(Keir)
Oil of aniseseeds, 50 (Thomson)
2. Melting points of Solids.
Equal parts sulphur and phosphorus
Adipocire of muscle
Lard (Nicholson)
Phosphorus (Pelletier)
Resin of bile
Myrtle wax (Cadet)
Spermaceti (Bostock)
Tallow (Nicholson) 92 (Thomson
Bees' wax
Ambergris (La Grange)
Bleached wax (Nicholson)
Bismuth 5 parts, tin 3, lead 2
Sulphur (Hope) 212 (Fourcroy) 185
(Kinvan)
Adipocire of biliary calculi (Fourcroy)
Tin and bismuth, equal parts
Camphor
Tin 3, lead 2; or tin 2, bismuth 1
Tin (Crichton) 4 1 3 (Irvine)
Tin 1, lead 4
Bismuth (Irvine)
Lead(Crichton)594(Irvine>)540(Ne\vlon'
R
70
Elements of Pharmacy,
App.
Heau.
Cent.
Fahren.
Amer. 1
297
371
700
668|
945
432
8', 9
777J
1678
2100
38o7
37751
2024
2530
4587
45551
2082
2602
4717
4685
2313
2780
5237
5205
7475
9850
17977
17945
9i31
11414
20577
20545
9325
11680
21097
21065
9602
12001
21637
21605
9708
12136
21877
21845
10280
12857
23177
23145
29
36
98
66
48
60
140
108
50
63
145
113
61
77
170
138
64
80
176
144
80
100
212
180
83
104
219
187
88
110
230
198
93
116
242
210
96
120
248
216
112
140
283
251
226
282
540
508
232
290
554
522
239
299
570
538
248
310
590
558
252
315
600
568
279
350
660
628
—-54
—68
—90
— 122
—36
— 44
—50
—82
— 24
— 30
—23
—55
—20
—25
—14
—46
— 14
— 18
0
—32
+ 5
4-6
+ 43
+■"
12
15
59
27
15
18
66
34
19
24
75
43
Zinc
Andmony
Brass
Copper
Silver
Gold
Cobalt, cast iron
Nickel
Soft nails
Iron
Manganese
Platina, Tungsten, Molybdena,
Uranium, Titanium, &c.
Wedg.
21
27
28
32
130
150
154
153
160
170+
3. Solids and Liquids Volatized.
Ether
Liquid ammonia
Camphor (Venturi)
Sulphur (Kirwan)
Alcohol 174 (Black)
Water and essential oils
Phosphorus (Pelletier)
Muriate of lime (Dalton)
Nitrous acid
Nitric acid
White oxide of arsenic
Arsenic
Phosphorus in close vessels
Sulphur
Sulphuric acid (Dalton) 546
(Black)
Linseed oil, Sulphur (Davy)
Mercury (Dalton) 644 (Secondat)
600 (Black)
4. Miscellaneous effects of Heat.
Greatest cold produced by Mr. WTalkei
Natural cold observed at Hudson's bay
Observed on the surface of the snow at
Glasgow, 1780
At Glasgow, 1780
Equal parts, *snow and salt
Phosphorus burns slowly
Vinous fermentation begins
to 135, Animal putrefaction
to 80, Summer heat in Britain
App.
Effects of^Heat.
71
Reau. \
Cent. I
Fahren.
Amer. \
20
i
25'
77
45 ;
J
26
80
48
«
31
88
56
28 j
35
96
64
331
41
107
75
40
50
122
90
44
54
130
98 '
59
74
165
133
120
150
303
271
269
335
635
603,
315
384
750
718
341
427
800
768
342
428
802
770
380
475
884
752
448
560
1050
1018
462
577
1077
1045
564
705
1300
1268
737
986
1807
1775
1451
1814
2897
2865
2313
2780
5237
5205
2880
3580
6507
6475
3750
4680
8480
8448
4450
5610
10177
10145
5370
6770
1-2257
12225
5800
7330
13297
13265
6270
7850
14337
14305
6520
8150
14727
14695
6925
8650
15637
15605
7025
8770
15897
15865
7100
8880
16007
15975
7460
9320
16807
16775
7650
9600
17327
17295
9131
11414
20577
j 20545
11106
13900
25127
1 25095
Vinous fermentation rapid, acetous be-
gins
Phosphorus burns in oxygen, 104 (Got-
ding)
Acetification ceases, phosphorus ductile
to I jO, Animal temperature
Feverish heat
Phosphorus burns vividly (Fourcroy) 14*
(Thomson)
Ammonia disengaged from water
Albumen coagulates 156 (Black)
Sulphur burns slowly
Lowest heat of ignition of iron in the*
dark
Iron bright in the dark
Hydrogen burns, looo (Thomson)
Charcoal burns (Thomson)
Iron red in twilight
Iron red hot in a common, fire Wedg
Iron red in daylight 1
Azotic gas burns -{-2
Enamel colours burned 6
* Diamondburns(MlKenzie)5000 14
( Morveau)
1 Settling heat of plate glass 29
Dtlft ware fired 40
Working heat of plate glass 57
Flint glass furnace 70
Cream-coloured ware fired 86
Worcester china vitrified 94
Stone ware fired 102
Chelsea china fired 105
Derby china fired 1 12
Flint glass furnace greatest heat 1 1 4
Bow china vitrified 121
Plate glass greatest heat 124
Smith's forge 125
Hessian crucible fused 1 50
Greatest heat observed 18.^
72
Elements of Pharmacy.
App.
Table of Freezing Mixtures,
Mixtures.
Thermometer sinks.
Muriate of ammonia - 5 parts ")
Nitre - - - - 5 .
i From 50° to 10°
Water ... 16 .
5
M-nate of ammonia - 5 .
i
Nitre - - - - 5 .
Sulphate of soda - 8 . .
> From 50 to 4
Water - - - 16 .
J
Nitrate of ammonia - 1 . •
Water - - - - 1 .
J From 50 to 4
Niti ate of ammonia - 1 •
7
Carbonate of soda - - 1 .
> From 50 to 7
Water - - - 1 .
3
Sulphate of soda - - 3 .
Diluted nitric acid - 2 .
j From 50 to 3
Sulphate of soda - 6 .
1
Muriate of ammonia - 4 .
Nitre - - - 2 .
} From 50 to 10
I
Diluted nitric acid - 4 .
J
Sulphate of soda - 6 .
I
Nitrate of ammonia - - 5 . .
> From 50 to 14
Diluted nitric acid - 4 .
3
Phosphate of soda - 9 .
Diluted nitric acid - - 4 .
j From 50 to 12
Phosphate of soda - - 9 . .
i
Nitrate of ammonia - 6 .
> From 50 to 21
Diluted nitric acid - - 4 .
3
Sulphate of soda - 8 .
I From 50 to 0
Muriatic acid - - - 5 .
Sulphate of soda - - 5 ..
| From 50 to 3
Diluted sulphuric acid - 4 .
Snow - - - - 1 •
| From 32 to 0
Common salt - - 1 •
Muriate of lime - - 3 .
? From 30 to —50
Snow 2 .
Potash - - - - 4 .
? From 32 to —51
Snow .--- 3 .
Snow - - - - 1 .
?From 20 to —60
Diluted sulphuric acid - 1 .
Snow, or pounded ice 2 .
? From 0 to —5
Common salt - • - 1 .
Snow and diluted nitric acid
From 0 to —46
Muriate of lime - - 2
Snow - - - 1 .
f From 0 to — 66
Snow, or pounded ice - 1 .
7
Common salt - - - 5 .
>From —5 to —18
Muriateofammoniaandnitre5 .
5
Snow ... - 2 .
Diluted sulphuric acid - 1 .
• > From —10 to —56
Diluted nitric acid - - 1
)
Snow, or pounded ice - 12 .
>
Common salt 5 .
> From -s-18 to —25 -
Nitrate of ammonia - 5 .
5
Muriate of lime - 3 .
Snow - 1 .
| From —40 to —75
Diluted sulphuric acid - 10 .
Snow - 8 .
J From —68 to —91
App.
Affinities.
73
TABLES OF SIMPLE AFFINITY.
OYYGEN.
Carbon
Charcoal
Manganese
Zinc
Iron
Tin
Antimony
H\ drogen
Phosphorus
Sulphur
Avsenic
Nitrogen
Nickel
Cobalt
Copper
Bismuth
Caloric
Mercury
Silver
Arsenious acid
Nitric oxide
Gold
Platinum
Carbonic oxide
Muriatic acid
White oxide of
manganese
White oxide of
lead.
OXYGEN.
Titanium
Manganese
Zinc
Iron
Tin
Uranium
Molybdenum
Tungsten
Cobalt
Antimony
Nickel
Arsenic
Chromum
Bismuth
Lead
Copper
Tellurium
Platinum
Mercury
Silver
Gold.
CARBON.
Oxygen
Iron
Hydrogen.
NITROGEN.
Oxygen
Sulphur
Phosphorus
Hydrogen.
HYDROGEN.
Oxygen
Sulphur
Carbon
Phosphorus
Nitrogen.
SULPHUR
PHOSPHORUS?
Potass
Soda
Iron
Copper
Tin
Lead
Silver
Bismuth
Antimony
Mercury
Arsenic
Molybdenum.
POTASS, SODA,
AND AMMONIA.
Acids Sulphuric
Nitric
Muriatic
Phosphoric
Fluoric
Oxalic
Tartaric
Arsenic
Succinic
Citric
Lactic
Benzoic
Sulphurous
Acetic
Mucic
Boracic
Nitrous.
Acids Carbonic
Prussic
Oil
Water
Sulphur.
BARYTA
Acids. Sulphuric
Oxalic
Succinic
Fluoric
Phosphoric
Mucic
Nitric
Muriatic
Suberic
Citric
Tartaric
Arsenic
Lactic
Benzoic
Acetic
Boracic
Sulphurous
Nitrous
Carbonic
Prussic
Sulphur
Phosphorus
Water
Fixed oil.
STRONTIA.
Acids. Sulphuric
Phosphoric
Oxalic
Tartaric
Fluoric
Nitric
Muriatic
Succinic
Acetic
Arsenic
Boracic
Carbonic
Water.
LIME.
Acids. Oxalic
Sulphuric
Tartaric
Succinic.
Acids. Phosphoric
Mucic
Nitric
Muriatic
Suberic
Fluoric
Arsenic
Lactic
Citric
Malic
Benzoic
Acetic
Boracic
Sulphurous
Nitrous
Carbonic
Prussic
Sulphur
Phosphorus
Water
Fixed oil.
MAGNESIA.
Acids. Oxalic
Phosphoric
Sulphuric
Fluoric
Arsenic
Mucic
Succinic
Nitric
Muriatic
Tartaric
Citric
Malic
Lactic
Benzoic
Acetic
Boracic
Sulphurous
Nitrous
Carbonic
Prussic
Sulphur.
ALUMINA.
Acids. Sulphuric
Nitric
Muriatic
Oxalic
Arsenic
Fluoric.
a Vauquelin's Table of the affinity of the metals for oxygen, according to
the difficulty with which their oxides are decomposed by heat.
K
74
Elements of Pharmacy,
App-
Tables of Simple Affinity, — Continued.
Acids. Tartaric
Acids. Acetic
OXIDE
Adds. Fluoric
Succinic
Prussic
OF COPPER.
Succinic
Mucic
Carbonic
icids. Gallic
Citric
Citric
Ammonia.
Oxalic
Lactic
Phosphoric
Lactic
Tartaric
Muriatic
Acetic
Boracic
Benzoic
OXIDE
Sulphuric
Prussic
Acetic
OF MERCURY.
Mucic
Carbonic.
Boracic
Sulphurous
Acids. Gallic
Muriatic
Nitric
Arsenic
Nitrous
Oxalic
Phosphoric
OXIDE OF TIN.b
Acids. Gallic
Muriatic
Carbonic
Succinic
Succinic
Prussic.
Arsenic
Fluoric
Phosphoric
Sulphuric
Citric
Lactic
Sulphuric
Oxalic
SILICA.
Mucic
Acetic
Tartaric
Acid. Fluoric
Tartaric
Boracic
Arsenic
Potass.
Citric
Prussic
Phosphoric
Nitric
Malic
Sulphurous
Nitric
Fluoric
Acetic
Carbonic
Fixed alkalies
Ammonia
Fixed oils.
OXIDE OF
PLATINUM.
OXIDE OF GOLD.3
Succinic
Fluoric
Mucic
Citric
Acids. Gallic
Muriatic
Lactic
Acetic
Benzoic
Nitric
Boracic
Prussic
Carbonic.
OXIDE
Boracic
Sulphuric
Arsenic
Fluoric
Tartaric
OF ARSENIC
Acids. Gallic
Muriatic
Oxalic
Prussic
Ammonia.
Phosphoric
OXIDE
Sulphuric
OXIDE OF ZINC.
Oxalic
OF LEAD.
Nitric
Acids. Gallic
Citric
Acids. Gallic
Tartaric
Oxalic
Acetic
Sulphuric
Phosphoric
Sulphuric
Succinic
Mucic
Fluoric
Muriatic
Prussic
Oxalic
Succinic
Mucic
Carbonic
Arsenic
Citric
Nitric
Ammonia.
Tartaric
Acetic
Tartaric
Phosphoric
Muriatic
Prussic
Fixed alkalies
Phosphoric
Citric
OXIDE
Sulphurous
Ammonia
Succinic
OF SILVER.
Suberic
Fixed oils
Fluoric
Acids. Gallic
Nitric
Water.
Arsenic
Muriatic
Oxalic
Fluoric
Citric
Lactic
Acetic
Sulphuric
Malic
OXIDE OF IRON.
Boracic
Mucic
Succinic
Acids. Gallic
Prussic
Phosphoric
Lactic
Oxalic
Carbonic
Sulphurous
Acetic
Tartaric
Fixed alkalies
Nitric
Benzoic
Camphoric
Ammonia.
Arsenic
Fluoric
Boracic
Prussic
Sulphuric
Mucic
Tartaric
Carbonic
Muriatic
'oxide
Citric
Fixed oils
Nitric
OF ANTIMONY.
Lactic
Ammonia.
Phosphoric
Acids. Gallic
Succinic.
Arsenic. /
Muriatic.
* Bergmann places the tartaric before the muriatic.
b Omitting the oxalic, citric, succinic, and carbonic, and adding- sulphuretted
hydrogen after ammonia.
App.
Affinip.es.
Id
Tables of Simple Affinity, — Continued*
Acids. Benzoic
Zirconia
FLUORIC ACID.
BENZOIC ACID.
Oxalic
Metallic oxides.
BO ACiC f
White oxide of ar-
Sulphuric
Nitric
ARSENIC 8
TUNGSTIC.
senic
Potass
Tartaric
PHOSPHORIC ACID
Lime
Soda
Mucic
CARB0NIC.d
Banta
Ammonia
Phosphoric
Baryta
Strontia
Baryta
Citric
Strontia
Magnesia
Lime
Succinic
Lime
Potass
Magnesia
Fluoric
Potass
Soda
Alumina
Arsenic
Lactic
Soda
Ammonia
Glucina
Ammonia
CAMPHORIC ACID.
Acetic
Magnesia
Alumina
Lime
Boracic
Giucina
Zirconia
Potass
Prussic
Alumina
Silica.
Soda
Fixed alkalies
Ammonia.
Zirconia
Metallic oxides
Baryta
Ammonia
5
acetic acid. Alumina
LACTIC, SUBERIC.11 VT^rrn.-uJo
SULPHURIC ACID.
PHOSPHOROUS
Baryta
•■—-*' ■-•=»«*•
PRUSSICb.
ACID.
Lime
Potass
FIXED OIL.
Baryta
Soda
Lime
Strontia
Baryta
Strontia
Strontia
B^/\fa
Potass
Lime
Potass
Soda
Potass
Ammonia
Soda
Lime
Soda
Magnesia
Magnesia
Magnesia
Ammonia
Metallic oxides
Oxide of mercury
Ammonia
GUicina
Gadolina
Glucina
Alumina
Zirconia
Glucina
Alumina
Zirconia.
Other metallic ox-
ides
Alumina.
Alumina
Metallic oxides.
Zirconia
Metallic oxides.
OXALIC ACID.
ALCOHOL.
Water
NITRIC ACID.
MURIATIC'
TARTARIC.
CITRIC'
Ether
Volatile oil
SULPHUROUS ACID.
Baryta
Lime
Alkaline sulphurcts.
SUCCINIC4-
Baryta
Potass
Soda
Baryta
Strontia
SULPHURETTED
Lime
Strontia
Magnesia
HYDROGEN.
Potass
Lime
Potass
Baryta
Soda
Magnesia
Soda
Potass
Strontia
Ammonia
Ammonia
Soda
Mag-nesia
Glucina
Alumina
Lime
Ammonia
Alumina
Vletallic oxides
Ammonia
Glucina
Zirconia
Water
Magnesia
Alumina
Metallic oxides.
Alcohol.
Zirconia.
b With the omission of all after ammonia.
e Ammonia should come before magnesia, and strontia, glucina, and zirco-
nia, should be omitted.
d Magnesia should stand above ammonia and alumina, and silica should be
omitted.
e Ammonia should stand above magnesia.
f Silica should be omitted, and instead of it water and alcohol be. inserted.
8 Except silica.
h With the omission of strontia, metallic oxides, glucina, and zirconia.
' Zirconia after alumina.
76
Elements of Pharmacy.
App.
Cases of Mutual Decomposition.
1, FROM SIMPLE AFFINITY.
Sulphate of potass
with Muriate of baryta
soda
Nitrate of potass
ammonia
Muriate of soda
magnesia
Carbonate of potass
Super-sulphate of alumina
Muriate of lime
Nitrate of potass
baryta
ammonia
Phosphate of soda
Muriate of baryta -
All the sulphates and nitrates
soda
Carbonate of potass
lime - - -
Sub-borate of soda
ammonia
Carbonate of potass
Phosphate of soda -
Muriate of ammonia
Sub-borate of soda
Carbonate of potass
Nitrate of silver - -
Muriate of soda
Acetate of lead
Citrate of potass
Sulphate of mercury -
Muriate of soda
Soap of potass
soda
soda -
Sulphate of lime
2, FROM
Compound affinity.
Sulphate of baryta -
with Carbonate of potass
baryta
soda
Muriate of lime
soda -
Ditto
Muriate of baryta -
Phosphate of soda
Ditto
Sub-borate of soda
Carbonate of potass
Ditto
soda
ammonia
Muriate of lime
ammonia
lime
Acetate of lead
Sulphate of zinc
Ditto - -
Nitrate of mercury.
Cases of Disposing Affinity.
The formation of water by the action of the sulphuric acid on the
compound oxides.
The oxidation of metals by water, in consequence of the presence
of an acid.
App.
Incompatible, Salts.
77
Table of Incompatible Salts**
salts.
1 . Fixed alkaline sulphates
2. Sulphate of lime
3. Alum -
4. Sulphate of magnesia
5. Sulphate of iron
6. Muriate of barytes
7. Muriate of lime
8. Muriate of magnesia
9 . Nitrate of lime
INCOMPATIBLE WITH
C Nitrates of lime and magnesia,
I Muriates of lime and magnesia.
f Alkalies,
< Carbonate of magnesia,
(_ Muriate of barytes.
I Alkalies,
Muriate of barytes,
Nitrate, muriate, carbonate of lime,
Carbonate of magnesia.
f Alkalies,
< Muriate of barytes,
^Nitrate and muriate of lime,
f Alkalies,
< Muriate of barytes,
t Earthy carbonates,
f Sulphates,
< Alkaline carbonates,
(_ Earthy carbonates.
f Sulphates, except of lime,
< Alkaline carbonates,
(^ Carbonate of magnesia.
( Alkaline carbonates,
l Alkaline sulphates.
f Alkaline carbonates,
< Carbonates of magnesia and alumine,
(^ Sulphates, except of lime.
Quantity of real Acid taken up by mere Alkalies and Earths,
(Kirwan.)
100 Parts.
Sulphuric.
Mtric.
Muriatic.
Carbonic Acid.
Potash
82,48
84,96
56,3
105, almost.
Soda
127,68
135,71
73,41
66, 8.
Ammonia
383,8
247,82
171,
Variable.
Baryt.
50,
56,
31,8
282.
Strontia
72,41
85,56
46,
43,2.
Lime
143,
179,5
84,488 81,81.
Magnesia
172,64
210,
111,35 200, Fourcroy.
Alumine
150,9
335, nearly, Bergmann.
* That is, salts which cannot exist together in solution, without mutual de
composition.
78
Elements of Pharmacy.
App.
^iiantity of Alkalies and Earths taken up by 100 parts of real
Sulphuric, Nitric, Muriatic, and Carbonic Acids, Saturated,
(K.irwan.)
100 Parts. | Potash.
Soda.
A?nmonia.\ Baryt.
Strontia.
Lime. I Mag.
Sulphuric.|121,48
78,32
26,05 1200,
138,
70, j 57,92
Nitrous. ; 117,7
73,3
40,35 jl78,12
116,86
55,7j 47,64
Muriatic, j 177,6 j 136,2
58,48 |314,46
216,21
11 8,31898,
Carbonic. | 95,1 1 149,6
|354,5
231,+
122, | 50,
Table of the respective quantities of Acid and Base required to neu-
tralize each other, calculated by Fischer from Richter's Experi-
ments.
BASES.
ACIDS.
Alumine - 525
Fluoric
.
427
Magnesia - - 615
Carbonic
-
577
Ammonia - 672
Sebacic
-
706
Lime - - 793
Muriatic
-
712
Soda - 859
Oxalic
_
755
Strontites - - 1329
Phosphoric
-
979
Potash - 1605
Formic
-
988
Barytes - - 2222
Sulphuric
-
1000
Succinic
-
1209
Nitric
-
1405
Acetic
-
1480
Citric
-
1563
Tartaric
-■
1694
Table, showing the Maximum Quantity of Oxygen taken up by
different Substances.
SIMPLE COMBUSTIBLES.
100 Hydrogen unite with -
597.7
Oxygen.
100 Carbon -
257.
100 Azote - -
236.
100 Muriatic acid - -
194.
100 Phosphorus
154.
100 Sulphur
71.3
METALS.
100 Chrome combine with -
200.
Oxygen-
100 Iron - -
92.3
100 Manganese
66.
100 Arsenic -
53.
100 Tin - - - - -
38.8
100 Antimony - -
30.
100 Zinc ~\
100 Copper 1
25.
100 Lead f
100 TungstenJ
100 Mercury - - - - -
17.6
100 Platina -
15.
100 Silver
12.8
100 Bismuth -
1 12.
100 Gold
-
10.
App.
Composition of Salts*
T3
nc T3
W
aj v
«j
4-1 «-J
'c
F c
bp
60 iJD
.2
« c«
'o
o o
tC
«s us.
• — .1-1
•*.»
4-> .*_>
C
s- S-
. • • * . ?:
o u w o ^ o
.a •£ eg .SN
•d 1 .^.^l-o.S |*
etf rt . o"
£ 8 "8 8
Cfl
^•ccn 5 ™ — 7, —
3b u s>^ i> n i>
n £^v o o^: N ™ >, a>
=3 »S,g'g2,3^'&§
^ J J^-~ 3 =3 3 in qj • X*-3.
•—-3 d ^-rijio ?* — ^
Natur
Natur
Dried
Dried
Ignite
Incan
Fully
Desic
•Cry st
Desic
j,t-3l>SS(«rt'-3U
UQhQ^ZZuQQ^P
•
*- •
i i i • i
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• • i
■ ■ • ■ • • i
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— <£> c* <N in
co <n — 10 in
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cn m c*
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tj* q cn *o
toco coco cocnvo'N
co" d •>* d CN O in o ■* *n co vd
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— < <£> in co co 00 ■<* — « co ~ 0
o
4-1
• 1
• 1 _ •« • 1
' a -2 c .
«» c3 So
.2 c ' ' .2
-C qj -r? ^ c!
3 r/> «J 'S3 '
en
H
potas
soda
ditto
baryt
stront
lime
magr
comii
otash
oda
itto
ammo
barytei
stronti
lime
ditto
ditto
ditto
magne
ditto
-m Vhi CX, (« T3
Cfl
ate o
sh
ate o
teof
•
C «J C rt
O J, O 43
<3 <j cs "3
6 0
3 s
JPhU go
<Q
80
Elements of Pharmacy.
App.
"5
a
R
•«»
Ho
R
3
3
"^
f
R
•R
eo
o" O
O O
r c
oJD
S 3 £ 3 « 3 S «
<_> *j _ <-> -rj "O *-^ IT
Cfl CO .— . »1 2 j; »1 'i
T3 •
N U
3 c«
si
3j o ~ _q
D -a
a
^ G
o #o i
._■ .i-i
CD- '
s s
o o
(w Cm
o o
"* «o
CN O C*
CO —• CM
CM to
CO —
CO
oo -*
CO
I S-i
CO '
_««] . . o ■*
•<? CO bl *vl CN — *>I o" tO hT
VT) C?>
m 6 n a - w ^'
Tj* CN CN — CO rj< CO
O0 Tft P-4
00 vo CO CN
b.
. °1 P
iO^-tCT<nWtO(NtO uo CN <ON ^ io «o to
J3
en
o
a .2 '
8-8 ' II-
M
_Q e/3 -3
P
o
s
.2
'3
9
b2 § 2 £ &>
c
CO 3
CO 13
S e c«
S .ti c
cS "O .D ^ WOS C
App. Precipitates from Metallic Solutions.
81
Colour of the Precipitates thrown down from Metallic Solutions,
by various Re-agents, Henry,
Metals.
Prussiated
Alkalies.
Tincture of
Galls.
Water impreg-
nated -with
Sidphuretted
Hydrogen.
Hydro-SuU
phurets.
Gold
Yellowish-
white
Solution
turnedgreen
Precipitate
brown of re-
duced gold
Yellow
Yellow
Platina
No precip.;
butanorange
coloured one
by pruss. of
mercury
Dark-green,
becoming
paler
Precipitated
in a metallic
state
Silver
White
Yellowish-
brown
Black
Black
Mercury
White,
changing to
yellow
Orange-yel-
low
Black
Brownish-
black
Palladium
Olive*
Deep
orangef
Dark-brown
Dark-brown
Rhodium
No precip.
No precip.
Iridium
No precip.
Colour dis-
charged.
No precip.
Colour of
solutions
discharged
Osmium
Purple,
changing to
deep vivid
blue
>
Copper
Bright red-
dish brown
Brownish
Black
Black
f 1, Green
Iron< salts
t2,Redsalts
White,
changing to
blue
Deep blue
No precip.
Black
Not precip.
Black
82
Elements of Pharmacy.
App,
Colour of Precipitates , fcfc. — Continued.
, Metals.
JPmssiated
Alkalies.
Tincture of
Galls.
Waterimpreg-
nated -with
Sulphuretted
Hydrogen.
Hydro-SuU
phurets.
Nickel
Green
Greyish-
white
Not precip.
Black
Tin
White
No precip.
Brown
Black
Lead
White
White
Black
Black
Zinc
White
No precip.
Yellow
White
Bismuth
White
Orange
Black
Black
Antimony
White
Awhiteoxide
merely from
dilution
Orange
Orange
Tellurium
No precip.
Yellow
Blackish
Arsenic
White
Little
change
Yellow
Yellow
.Cobalt
Brownish-
yellow
Yellowish-
white
Not precip.
Black
Manganese
Yellowish-
white
No precip.
Not precip.
White
Chrome
Green
Brown
Green
Molybdena
Brown
Deep-brown
Brown
Uranium
Brownish-
red
Chocolate
Brownish-
yellow
Tungsten
Titanium
Grass-green,
with a tinge
of brown
Reddish-
brown
Not precip.
Grass-green
Columbium
Olive
Orange
Chocolate
Tantalium
Cerium
Yellowish
Brown, be-
coming deep
green
App,
Saline and other Substances.
83
Table of the Solubility of Saline and other Substances, in 100
Parts of Water, at the Temperature of
ACIDS.
60° and 212°.
Sulphuric unlimited
Nitric do.
Acetic do.
Prussic do.
Phosphoric "
Tartaric
Malic £>very soluble
Lactic
Laccic
Arsenic . . 150
Arsenious acid 1.25
Citric 133
Oxalic 50
Gallic
Boracic
Mucic
8.3
0.84
u
04
0.69
1.04
0.208
Succinic ....
Suberic ....
Camphoric . . .
Benzoic ....
Molybdrc . . .
Chromic, unknown.
Tungstic, insoluble.
SALIFIABLE BASES.
Potass 50
Soda, very soluble.
Baryta 5
crystallized 57
Strontia » . 0.6
crystallized 1.9
Lime 0.2
SALTS.
Sulphate of potass 6.25
Super-sulphate of potass 50
Sulphate of soda 37.4
ammonia 50
magnesia ....... 100
alumina, very soluble, propor-
tion unknown.
Super-sulphate of alumina and potass > . „
ammonia J
Nitrate of baryta 8
• potass 14.25
soda - 33
unlimited,
do.
do.
do.
6.6
200
100
66
2
1.25
50
50
8.3
4.17
0.1
50
unlimited
50
20
100-f
125
100
133
133
25
100 -f
100
84
Elements of Pharmacy.
App.
Temfieratures, 60°
Nitrate of strontia ........ 100
lime 400
ammonia 50
magnesia 100
Muriate of baryta 20
potass 33
soda ......... 35.42
strontia 1 50
lime 200
ammonia 33
magnesia 100
Oxy-muriate of potass 6
Phosphate of potass, very soluble.
soda 25
ammonia 25
magnesia 6.6
Sub-borate of soda 8.4
Carbonate of potass 25
soda 50
magnesia 2
ammonia 50 -f-
Acetate of potass 100
soda 35
ammonia, very soluble.
magnesia, do.
strontia
Super-tartrate of potass 1.67
Tartrate of potass 25
and soda 25
Super-oxalate of potass
Citrate of potass, very soluble.
Prussiate of potass and iron.
Nitrate of silver, very soluble.
Muriate of mercury (corrosive sublimate) 5
Sulphate of copper 25
Acetate of copper, very soluble.
Sulphate of iron . 50
Muriate of iron, very soluble.
Tartrate of iron and potass.
Acetate of mercury.
Sulphate of zinc \* . . . 44
Acetate of zinc, very soluble.
of lead (Ed. Pharm.) Bosteck . . 27
as it exists in Goulard's extract, more sol.
Tartrate of antimony and potass, Duncan . 6.6
Alkaline soaps, very soluble.
Sugar -100
Gum, very soluble.
Starch 0
Jelly sparingly.
Gelatin soluble.
Urea, very soluble.
Cinchonin.
212<>
200
any quantity,
200
100-f
36.16
any quantity.
100
40
50
25 +
16.8
83.3
100-f
100
40.8
3.3
10
50
50
13S
44-f
33
any quantity.
very soluble,
abundantly,
more so.
App. Saline and other Substances. 85
Salts not soluble in 100 times their Weight of Water*
Sulphates of baryta, strontia, and lime, and sub-sulphate of mercury.
Phosphates of baryta, strontia, lime, magnesia, and mercury.
Fluate of lime.
Carbonates of baryta, strontia, and lime.
Muriates of lead, and silver, and sub-muriate of mercury (Calomel.)
Sub-acetate of copper.
Solubility of Saline and other Substances in 100 parts of Alcohol^
at the Temperature of 176°
All the acids, except the sulphuric, nitric, and oxy-muri-
atic, which decompose it, and the phosphoric and me-
tallic acids.
Potass, soda, and ammonia, very soluble.
Red sulphate of iron.
Muriate of iron 100
lime 100
Nitrate of ammonia 89.2
Muriate of mercury 88.3
Camphor 75.
Nitrate of silver 41.7
Refined sugar 24.6
Muriate of ammonia 7.1
Arseniate of potass 3.75
Nitrate of potass 2.9
Arseniate of soda 1 .7
Muriate of soda (Mr. Chenevix.) Alkaline soaps. Magnesian do.
Extractive. Tannin. Volatile oils. Adipocere. Resins. Urea.
Cinchonin.
Substances insoluble in Alcohol.
Earths.
Phosphoric and metallic acids.
Almost all the sulphates and carbonates.
The nitrates of lead and mercury.
The muriates of lead, silver, and soda.
The sub-borate of soda.
The tartrate of soda and potass, and the super-tartrate of potass.
Fixed oils, wax, and starch.
Gum, caoutchouc, suber, lignin, gelatin, albumen, and fibrin.
86
Elements of Pharmacy.
App.
Table of the Absorption of Gases by 100 Parts of Water at 60° F.
Volume.
Nitric acid ......... 361000.
Muriatic acid 51500.
Ammonia 47500.
Sulphurous acid 12109.
3300.
Carbonic acid ....
Sulphuretted hydrogen .
Nitrous oxide ....
Olefiant gas ....
Nitric oxide ....
Oxygen
Phosphuretted hydrogen
Carbonic oxide . . .
Hydrogen
Nitrogen
Carburetted hydrogen .
1440.
108.
108.
86.
12.5
5.
3.7
2.14
2.01
1.61
1.53
1.40
Thomson
Davy
Fourcroy
Thomson
Priestley
Henry
Henry
Henry
Dalton
Henry
Henry
Henry
Henry
Henry
Henry
Henry
Table of Efflorescent Salts (Cadet de Faux, J
288 grains of in days
Sulphate of soda 61
Phosphate of soda . . . . 39
Carbonate of soda .... 5 1
Iosf grains,
. 203.
. 91.
. 86.
Table of Deliquescent Salts (Cadet de Faux. J
288 grains of
Acetate of potass
Muriate of lime .
— — manganese
Nitrate of manganese
zinc . .
« lime . .
Muriate of magnesia
Nitrate of copper .
Muriate of antimony
alumina .
Nitrate of alumina .
Muriate of zinc . .
Nitrate of soda , .
magnesia
Acetate of alumina
Super-sulphate of alumina
Muriate of bismuth . .
Super-phosphate of lime
Muriate of copper . .
in days
146
124
105
89
124
147
139
128
124
149
147
76
137
73
104
121
114
93
119
absorbed,
. 700
. 684
. 629
. 527
. 495
. 448
. 441
. 397
. 388
. 342
. 300
. 294,
. 257
. 207
. 202
. 202
. 174
. 165
. 148
App.
Galvanic Circles.
87
Table of some Galvanic Circles, composed of txvo Perfect Conduc-
tors, and one Imperfect Conductor, (Davy,)
Zinc
with gold, charcoal,
7
i
to
(ft
silver, copper,
Solutions of nitric
o
tin, iron, mer-
acid in water, of
5
CO
.0
Iron
a
a
to
n
cury.
gold, charcoal,
muriatic acid,sul-
^> phuric acid, kc.
C/3
=3
CO
silver, copper,
3
Water, holding in
as
Tin
1
tin.
gold, silver,
charcoal.
b)D
solution oxygen,
atmospheric air.
c
Lead
gold, silver.
bC
>,
6C
be^
Solution of nitrates
O
o
X
O
of silver, and mer-
a
Copper
CO
gold, silver.
cury.
o
Silver
gold.
>Nitric acid, acetous
acid.
Nitric acid.
Galvanic Circles, composed of two Imperfect Conductors, and on?
Perfect Conductor.
u
3
T3 I
u i
u
en !
Charcoal
o J
Copper
Silver
3
-a
c
Lead
U
Tin
Iron
«r
Zinc
V
a,
S
Solutions of hydrogu-
retted alkaline sul-
phurets, capable of
acting on the first
three metals, but not
on the last three.
: Solutions of nitrous
acid, oxygenized
muriatic acid, &c.
capable of acting
on all the metals.
38
Elements of Pharmacy. App,
Electrical System of Bodies , by Ritter.
INSULATORS
Sulphur
CONDUCTORS
Water
Sealing-wax
Oxide of manganese
Black silk
Graphite
White silk
Metallic sulphurets
Paper
Charcoal
Wood
Silver
Wool
Copper
Glass
Iron
Tourmalin
Lead
Diamond
*
Zinc
A pp. Explanation of the Plates.. &9
EXPLANATION OF THE PLATES.
PLATE I.
Fig. 1. Represents an improved mill for grinding* colours, Sc^r
(from the Transactions of the Society of Arts, &c. for 1804.)
a. A mortar of marble or hard stone.
b. A muller or grinder, nearly in the form of a pear, in tha
upper part of which an iron axis is firmly fixed, which axis,
at the parts c c turns in grooves or slits, cut in two pieces of
oak projecting horizontally from a wall, and when the axis is
at work, are secured in the grooves by iron pins, d d.
c. The handle, which forms a part of the axis, and by which the
grinder is worked.
f. The wall in which the oak pieces c c are fixed.
g\ A weight, to be occasionally added to the upper part of the
handle if more power is wanted.
t g h. The muller or grinder, with its axis separate from the
other machinery: its bottom should be made to fit the mor-
tar.
h. A groove cut through the stone.*
Fig. 2. 3. 4. Mortars and pestle of metal, marble, and earthen
ware.
Fig. 5. A levigating stone and muller.
a. The table of polished porphyry or other siliceous stone..
b. The muller of the same substance.
Fig. 6. A compound sieve.
c. The lid.
c. The body containing the sieve.
b. The receiver.
Fig. 7. A funnel.
)
* On grinding- any substance in a dry state in this mill, the muller being-
placed in the mortar and secured in the oak pieces b\ the pins, the substance
to be ground is thrown above the muller into the mortar; on turning- the han-
dle of the axis, the substance falls into the groove cut through the muller,
and is from thence drawn under the action of' the muller, and propelled to
its outer edge within the mortar, from whence the coarser particles again fall
into the groove of the muller, and are again ground under it; and this opera-
tion is continued till the whole is ground to an impalpable powder. A wood
cover in two halves, with a hole for the axis, is usually placed upon the mor-
tar, during the operation, to prevent loss to the substance, or bad effect to
the operator.
M
90 Materia Medica. App.
Fig. 8. A hooked glass rod. Several of which may be hung round
the edge of the funnel, to prevent the filtering substances from adhe-
ring too closely to its sides.
Fig. 9. A board perforated with holes for supporting funnels.
Fig. 10. A compound syphon.
ay b, c. The syphon.
f, g. The mouth piece,
rf, e. A board for supporting it.
When we insert the upper orifice a into any liquid, and close the
lower orifice c with the finger, by sucking through J\ the fluid will
rise from a to b and proceed to g towards/. As soon as it has passed
gi the finger is to be removed, and the fluid will immediately flow
through c, and continue flowing as long as any remains above the
orifice a. It is absolutely necessary that the point g where the mouth-
piece joins the syphon, be lower than a.
Fig. 11. A separatory. The fluids to be separated are introduced
through the orifice «, which is then closed with a stopper. The one
neck is then to be shut with the finger, and the phial is to be inclined
to the other side. As soon as the fluids have separated by means of
their specific gravity, the finger is to be removed, and the whole of
the heavier fluid will run through the lower neck, before any of the
lighter escapes.
Fig. 12. and 13. Glass graduated -measures. 12, A cylindrical one
for large, 13. A conical one for small quantities.
PLATE II.
Fig. 14. External view of Dr. Black's furnace.
a. The body.
b. The ash-pit.
c. The chimney.
d. The circular hole for receiving the sand-pot.
e. A door about the centre of the body, to be opened when the
furnace is used as a reverberatory. In Dr. Black's furnace, there
is properly no aperture in the side, and indeed as its peculiar
excellence consists in the power which it gives the operator
of regulating the quantity of air admitted to the fuel, and by
that means of regulating the intensity of the fire; every aper-
ture is rather to be considered as an injury than as an improve-
ment; and at all times when they are not employed, they must
be accurately closed and luted up.
f. The door of the ash-pit.
g. The damping plate for regulating the admission of air, having
six holes, fitted with stoppers, increasing in size in a geo-
metrical ratio.
Fig. 15. A vertical section of the body of the same furnace to show
the manner of luting, and the form and position of the grate.
a g. As in the former figure, except the damping plate,
which is here closed by a sliding door with a graduated scale.
w
taw a
VI
PR
=\h
iCfiq
CD
I?
>@ •§)
>
A pp. Explanation of the Plates, 91
//. The form which is given to the lute of clay and charcoal
which is applied next to the iron.
i. The form given to the lute of sand and clay, with which the
former is lined.
e. Is a semicircular aperture left unluted, to serve as a door
when necessary. On other occasions it is filled up with a
semi-cylindrical piece of fire-brick, Fig. 17. accurately luted
in.
k. The grate fastened on the outside of the body.
Fig. 16. The sand-pot which is suspended in the aperture d of the
furnace, by means of the projecting ring a b.
Fig. 17. A semi-cylindrical piece of fire-brick, for closing the door
t of the furnace.
Fig. 18. A muffle, a a, apertures in its sides for the admission of
the heated air.
Fig. 19. A large black-lead crucible.
Fig. 20. A small Hessian crucible.
Fig. 21. 22. Tests.
Fig. 23. A small support of clay, to raise the crucible above the
grate.
Fig. 24. A pair of crucible tongs.
Fig. 25. A support for raising the muffle as high as the door e of
the furnace.
Fig. 26. A ring for suspending a retort within the furnace, when
we wish to expose it to the immediate action of the fire. The ring
itself a b is suspended within the aperture d of the furnace, by means
of the three-hooked branches c c c.
Fig. 27. Semicircular rings of plate-iron, for applying round the
neck of a retort when suspended within the furnace, in order to close
as much as possible the aperture rf, Fig. 14. The largest pair a are
first made to rest upon the edge of the aperture rf, the next pair b
upon them, and so until they come in contact with the neck of the
retort. The whole are then to be covered with ashes or sand, to pre-
vent the loss of heat, and the escape of vapours, from the burning
fuel.
Fig. 28. Circular rings a b to be applied in the same manner when
we wish to evaporate with the naked fire. We must always take care
that the fluid rises higher than the portion of the evaporating vessel
introduced within the aperture of the ring: c a circular piece of iron,
which when applied with the rings a b completer}' closes the aperture
d of the furnace.
PLATE III.
Fig. 29. 30. 31. 32. Evaporating vessels of different shapes.
Fig. 33. A long-necked matrass.
Fig. 34. A jar.
Fig. 35. A phial or receiver.
Fig. 36. A cucurbit.
Fig. 37. A cucurbit with its capital.
Fig. 38. The arrangement of the apparatus for distilling per de-
scensum. The substance to be distilled is laid on the metallic plate a,
92 Materia Medica. App.
which is perforated with holes. The burning fuel is laid upon the
upper plate b, also of metal, but not perforated. On the application
of heat the vapour descends into the cavity a c, where it is con-
densed.
Fig. 39. A retort and receiver; a, the retort, 6, the receiver.
Fig. 40. A retort funnel.
Fig. 41. A metallic still.
c d ef The body.
a b ef The lower portion of the body, which hangs within the
aperture d of the furnace, by the projecting part a b.
dgc. The head of the still.
d c. A guuer which goes round the bottom of the head, for con-
veying any vapours which may be condensed there, into the
spout h, which conveys away the vapour and the fluid con-
densed in the head into the refrigeratory.
Fig. 42. A refrigeratory.
a b c d. A cylindrical vessel filled with cold water.
ef. A spiral metallic pipe which passes through it. The spout
h of the still is inserted within the upper orifice e; therefore
the vapours which escape from the head of the still enter it,
and are condensed in their passage towards /, the lower ter-
mination of the pipe from which the distilled fluid runs, and
is received into proper vessels. As the water in the vessel
abed continually abstracts caloric from the vapours, it is apt
to become too warm to condense them. As soon, therefore, as
any steam escapes by the spout /, the water must be drawn
off by the cock g, and its place supplied by cold water.
Fig. 43. A vessel for boiling inflammable fluids.*
abed. The body of the kettle.
d ef A long spout proceeding from it, for preventing any risk of
boiling over.
g. A short spout for pouring out. The vessel should not be filled
above f and the long spout d ef should be placed so as to be
as little heated as possible. When the fluid begins to swell
and boil up, both from the great increase of surface, and from
part of it running up the cooler spout d ef the ebullition will
be checked, and all danger of running over be prevented.
Fig. 44. A body with a bent tube.
a b. The body.
b c. A sigmoid tube accurately ground to it. When any perma-
nently elastic fluid is generated within the body a b, it escapes
by the extremity of the tube, and may be collected by intro-
ducing it under a jar filled with water or mercury in the
pneumatic cistern. This simple apparatus can only be used
conveniently when the production of the gas is not rapid, or
requires the application of heat.
* This contrivance belongs to our late ingenious countryman T. P. Smith,
whose account of it was given to the American Philosophical Society, see
Vol. 4. of their Transactions, p. 431. The Edinburgh editor has not mentioned
from whence it is taken.
App. Explanation of the Plates. 93
PLATE IV.
Fig. 45. A Woulfe's apparatus.
a b cede. A tubulated retort and receiver.
//'/." Three three-necked bottles. The first/ is commonly
filled with water, and the two others with aikaline solutions.
dg, d' g\ d" g'\ d'" g"\ Bent tubes connecting the different
parts of the apparatus, so that when any vapour escapes from,
the receiver c d <°, it passes along- the tube d g and rises
through the fluid contained in the bottle /, where it remains
in contact with the surface, and under considerable pressure,
until the expansion of the vapour, not condensible in /, over-
comes the column of fluid h g' in the bottle/' and escapes
into the upper part of/' In the same manner the uncon-
densed vapours proceed to /" and at last to the pneumatic
apparatus.
But, as in processes of this kind, diminution of temperature and
other causes, frequently produce sudden condensations of the gases,
contained in the different parts of the apparatus, especially in the
retort and receiver, any such occurrence would cause the fluids to
move through the connecting tubes in a retrograde direction. This
accident is prevented, by inserting through the third neck of each
bottle a small tube k I having its lower extremity / immersed in the
fluid contained in the bottle. By this contrivance no fluid can possi-
bly pass from one bottle into another, because the columns g m, Sec
which resist the absorption, are much higher than the columns // /
which oppose the admission of external air: while, on the contrary,
no gas can escape through these tubes, because the columns h k
which oppose their escape, are higher than the columns g h which
resist its progress to the next bottle. From their use these tubes
have got the name of Tubes of Safety.
Another contrivance for the same purpose, the invention of C.
Welter, seems now to be much used in France. It is fixed to the
connecting tubes as at n.
Fig. 46. To explain it more fully, we have given a separate view,
taken in an oblique direction. When the apparatus is adjusted, a
small quantity of water is poured through the funnel /i until it rises
to about the centre of the ball e. Now, on any absorption taking place,
the fluid rises in the ball e, until the column g n be annihilated, when
a quantity of air will immediately rush in through p g n e, kc. and
the water will regain its former equilibrium. On the other hand, no
gas can escape by this tube, because the whole fluid contained in the
ball and tube must previously enter the portion of the tube n Ji where
it would form a column of such a height that its pressure could not
be overcome.
Fig. 47. A vertical section of a pneumatic cistern.
abed. The whole cavity of the cistern.
ef. A shelf for holding the jars.
e b cf. The well for filling the jars.
g h. The surface of the fluid contained in the cistern, which mu£t
always be higher than the surface of the shelf.
94 Materia Medica. App,
Fig. 48. 49. 50. 51. Pneumatic jars of different shapes.
Fig. 48. A jar in the situation in which it is filled with gas.
Fig. 49. A jar fitted with a stop cock.
Fig. 50. A jar placed upon a tray for removing it from the pneu*
xnatic cistern.
Fig. 51. A graduated jar, commonly called an Eudiometer.
Fig. 52. A hydrostatic funnel, for pouring fluids gradually into
air-tight vessels, especially when attended with the formation of gas.
It is evident, that any portion of fluid, poured into the funnel x,
more than sufficient to fill the two first parts of the bent tube up to
the level z, will escape by the lower extremity b. At the same time,
no gas can return through this funnel, unless its pressure be able to
overcome the resistance of a column of fluid of the height of x y.
Fig. 53. Another contrivance for the same purpose. It consists of
a common funnel; in the throat of which is inserted a rod with a
conical point, which regulates the passage of the fluid through the
funnel, according to the firmness with which it is screwed in.
Fig. 54. Nooth's apparatus for promoting the absorption of gaseous
fluids by liquids. It consists of three principal pieces; a lower piece
a b, a middle piece a c, and an upper piece d e; all of which are accu-
rately ground to each other. The substances from which the gas is
to be extricated are put into the lower piece. The middle piece is
filled with the fluid with which the gas is to be combined, and the
upper piece is left empty. As soon as a sufficient quantity of gas is
formed to overcome the pressure, it passes through the valve fg,
and rises through the fluid to the upper part of the middle piece. At
the same time it forces a quantity of fluid into the upper piece
through its lower aperture d. As soon as so much of the fluid has
been forced from the middle piece, as to bring its surface down to
the level of the lower aperture of the upper piece, a portion of gas
escapes into the upper piece, and the fluid rises a little in the middle
piece. The upper piece is closed with a conical stopper e, which
yields, and permits the escape of a portion of gas, as soon as its
pressure in the upper piece becomes considerable. // is a glass cock
for drawing off the fluid.
Fig. 5 5. The valve of Nooth's apparatus. It consists of an internal
tube.^ of small caliber, but pretty stout in substance, and ground into
an external tube/, closed at the upper end, but perforated with small
holes, to allow the gas to pass. After the internal tube is fitted to
the external, a portion of it is cut out as at A, sufficient to receive a
small hemisphere of glass, and to allow the hemisphere to rise a lit-
tle in its chamber, but not to turn over in it. The upper piece of the
internal tube is then thrust home into the place where it is to remain,
and the glass hemisphere introduced with its plane recumbent on
the upper end of the lower piece of the tube, which is ground per-
fectly flat, as is also the plane of the hemisphere. From this con-
struction it is evident, that by the upward pressure of any gas, the
glass hemisphere may be raised so as to allow it to pass, while no-
thing can pass downwards; for the stronger the pressure from above,
the closer does the valve become. We have been more particular in
our description of this valve, because it has been very ingeniously
applied to distilling apparatuses by Mr. Pepys junior and Mr. Burkit.
App. Explanation of the Plates. 95
PLATE V.
Description of Dr. Hamilton* s Apparatus for the Distillation of Acids
and other substances, on a Scale of about an Inch to a Foot.
A. The retort; the neck of which is ground into, and passed
through the thick stopper
B. Which is represented below separately at b, with its ground
stopper a. The external part of the stopper B is accurately
ground into the wide neck of the receiver
C. Whose narrow neck is ground into the wide neck of the re-
ceiver
D. The narrow neck of which is ground into that of the receiver E.
The receiver D has another aperture in its superior part, into
which the tube of safety
H. Open at both ends, is fitted by grinding, s*o that its lower extre-
mity may reach to the lowermost part of the receiver, and be
immersed in any fluid that may be contained in it.
Into the small neck of the receiver D, is ground, a crooked tube
I. Forming a little more than one-fourth of a circle, open at both
ends, and extending nearly to the lower part of the receiver E,
whose small neck receives a similar crooked tube K; and is re-
ceived into the wider neck of F, which receives the tube L in
like manner, and is received into G, whose narrow neck also
receives a crooked tube M N, open at both ends, and bent as
represented in the plate, to convey any gaseous fluid into the
small inverted cup, through the hole of which it passes into one
of the four inverted bottles placed above it, by means of the
frame P, having four notches to retain the bottles in an upright
inverted position. This frame is moveable on its centre support,
and is kept steady by a heavy leaden foot, in the middle of a
flat pan of water, which covers the mouths of the bottles. The
water issuing from the bottles on the introduction of the air, is
directed by a notch in its lip, and the pipe Q, into the bucket R
placed under the frame, which is raised upon four legs, and
supports the whole apparatus.
The different parts are successively applied to each other, begin-
ning with the receiver C, and are kept fixed by slips of wood
hollowed out, so as to fit the curvature of the receivers, as rep-
resented below, detached at S s.
Heat is applied to the retort by means of an Argand's lamp.
1. The chimney, most conveniently made of thin metal, as brass,
copper, or common tinned iron plates, because they are not
liable to break, and the heat alone is wanted.
2. The wire which elevates or depresses the wick.
3. Reservoir of Oil.
4. The support of this, with a small cup to receive the oil which
may drop.
5. A pin with a screw to fix the lamp at any distance
96 Materia Medica. App.
PLATE VI.
CHEMICAL SIGNS.
It is unnecessary here to -point out the advantages which might
result from a well-contrived system of chemical signs. About the
same time that the French chemists introduced their methodical
nomenclature, they also proposed a corresponding system of chemi-
cal signs, which they intended should speak a language to he under-
stood by the learned of all nations. In the explanation of their sys-
tem, we shall nearly follow what Mr. Chenevix has said in his
judicious remarks upon chemical nomenclature.
There are six simple radical signs, which may be considered as so
many genera.
The first genus is the zig-zag line, and is used to denote light.
See Plate, No. 1.
The second genus is the straight line. It comprehends three spe-
cies, characterized by its direction.
Sp. 1. A perpendicular line denotes caloric, 3.
Sp. 2. A horizontal line denotes oxygen, 2.
Sp. 3. An oblique line from right to left, nitrogen, 4.
The third genus is a crescent, which is the generic sign of simple
combustibles.
Sp. 1. With the horns inclined to the right, carbon, 5.
Sp. 2. The reverse of the former, hydrogen, 6.
Sp. 3. With the points upwards, sulphur, 7.
Sp. 4. The reverse of the latter, phosphorus, 8.
The fourth genus is a triangle. It comprehends the simple sali-
fiable bases.
Sp. 1. With the point upwards, and the base horizontal, 9. the al-
kalies.
Sp. 2. With the point downwards, 10. the earths.
Each of the species of this genus comprehends several individuals,,
which are distinguished by inserting within the triangle the first
letter of its name in the Latin language, or, if two species begin
with the same letter, the first letter of the second syllable is added;
thus, for potass P. soda S. baryta B. strontia St. lime C. magnesia M.
giucina Gc. gadolina Gd. or Y. for yttria, alumina Al. zirconia Z.
silica SI.
The fifth genus is a circle, 11. It comprehends the metals; and
the species are distinguished in the same manner as the former, by
inserting within it the primary letters of the first and second sylla-
bles; thus, for gold Ar. platinum Pt. silver Ag. Mercury H. copper
Cp. iron Fr. lead Pb. tin Sn. zinc Z. antimony Sb. or At. bismuth B.
cobalt Cb. nickel Nk. manganese Mg. uranium U. titanium Tt. tellu-
rium Tl. chromium Cm. arsenic As. molybdenum Ml. tungsten Ts.
columbium CI.
The sixth genus is a square: it comprehends all the unknown
bases of the acids, and the bases of the compound oxides and acids.
Sp. 1. A square with perpendicular sides, 12. It contains the un-
known and compound acidifiable bases.
Plate. 6
I'l
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j^o Genetic Signs
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App. Explanation of the Plates. 97
Sp. 2. A square with inclined sides, .13. It contains the compound
oxides. The individuals of both species are distinguished as before.
All compound bodies are expressed by combinations of these sinv
pie characters. But as simple bodies are capable of uniting in various
proportions, it becomes necessary that these proportions should be
expressed; and relative position has appeared the most natural me-
thod of doing so. In general, when the proportion of any body in a
compound is small, its sign is placed above, when large, below, as
in 35. 36. 42. &c.
Caloric exists in all bodies: But according to its relative quantity,
they exist as solids, fluids, or gases. To express the first state, it has
not been thought necessary to introduce the sign of caloric; to ex-
press the second, it is placed above; and to express the third, below,
as in the examples in the plate (22 — 32.)
Oxygen also combines with many bodies, and in several propor-
tions. The products resulting from these combinations are either
oxides or acids. The oxides may be characterized by affixing the
sign of oxygen to the left side of the sine of the base, and the acids by
affixing it to the right; and the greater or less degree of each may
be marked by placing it above or below, as in the examples in the
plate. In this then is a deviation from all the tables of chemical signs
which have been seen, and, it is trusted, with propriety; for M. Che-
nevix has remarked of the system, that " one of its chief defects is
" the impossibility of marking, by any principles it points out, the
" difference of the metallic oxides. A circle, with the mark of -oxy-
M %cn at the top, is the only method of marking a metallic oxide; for
" if we put the mark of oxygen lower, it will then have the force of
" an acid, and we must not confound the situation of the signs to
" mark differences of states, or the whole system will become con-
11 fused.'* But the alteration proposed enables us to mark no less than
six states of oxygenizement. When the sign of oxygen is placed on
the left, it implies that the compound is an oxide; if it be placed at
top, it expresses the smallest degree of oxidizement; at bottom, the
highest, and we have room for an intermediate one. The degrees of
acidification are expressed in the same manner, except that the cha-
racter of oxygen is placed to the right of the base. See 14 — 21. The
same proposal has been made by Dr. Vandier in the Journ. de Phy-
sique, Vol. 56. and this coincidence is a proof that it is not arbitrary,
but arises naturally from an attentive consideration of the subject.
The other primary combinations are expressed in the same way,
When they unite only in one proportion, or when the proportions
are indifferent, the signs are placed indifferently, though it would be
better to place them in one determinate way; but when either of them
is in excess, its sign is always placed below. Thus heavy hydro-car-
bonous oxide is expressed by placing the sign of hydrogen above
that of carbon, 36; light hydro-carbonous oxide by reversing their
position, 35. Glass is expressed by placing the signs of soda and silica
side by side, 41; the liquor silicum, by placing the sign of the alkali
under that of the earth, and adding the sign of fluidity above, 42.
The secondary compounds are expressed in a similar manner.
The basis has been generally placed before the acid, to admit of the
N
98
Materia Medica.
App.
sign of the degree of acidification being added to the acid; and the
same position fortunately admits of the sign of the degree cf oxi-
dizement being added to the oxide, when a metallic oxide forms the
basis of the salt. The excess of acid or base is marked as before, by
placing the acid or base below. With regard to the metallic salts,
Mr. Chenevix has given some reasons for not introducing the sign
of oxygen; but he himself has given the most powerful reason for
introducing it, by proving, that the real difference between calomel
and corrosive sublimate is in the state of oxidizement of the metal.
The manner of marking the oxides proposed above, enables us to
express this difference distinctly, when the degree of oxidizement
is ascertained.
EXPLANATION OF THE TABLE OF CHEMICAL SIGNS.
Generic Signs.
No.
1. Light.
5. Carbon.
9. Alkalies.
1 1 . Metals.
12. Aciclifiable
bases, un-
known or
compound.
2. Oxygen.
6. Hydrogen.
10. Earths.
3. Caloric.
7. Sulphur.
13. Compound
oxides.
4. Nitrogen.
8. Phosphorus.
Combinations of Oxygen.
No
Oxides.
A
Acids
A
14.
1 1
Nitrogen. Atmospheric
1 air.
2
Nitrous
oxide.
3
Nitric
oxide.
r '
1
Nitrous.
2
1
3
Nitric.
15.
Carbon.
Incombusti-
ble coal.
Char-
coal.
Carbonic
oxide.
Carbonic.
16.
Hydrogen.*
Water.
17.
Hf.
Sulphur.
Oxide of
sulphur.
Sulphu-
rous.
Sulphuric.
Mercury.
Black oxide.
Yellow.
Red.
19.
Iron.
Green oxide.
Red.
20.
Arsenic.
White.
Arsenic.
21.
Muriatic
radical.*
Muri-
atic.
Oxyge-
nized
muriatic.
Hyper-ox-
ygenized
muriatic.
* From the discovery of the muriatic radical* being hydrogen, an alteration
■must necessarily take place in these two numbers, water being, from the dis-
covery adrerted to, the highest degree of oxygenized hydrogen.
App. Chemical Signs. 99
Combinations of Caloric.
22. Oxygen. 23. Nitrogen. 24. Sulphur. 25. Potass. 26. Acetic
acid. 27. Ice. 28. Ammonia. 29. Sulphuric acid. 30. Mercury.
31. White oxide of arsenic. 32. Acetate of ammonia. The three
columns represent the mode of characterizing the three states of
aggregation of each of these substances.
Primary Com/iounds.
33. Ammonia. 34. Carburet of iron. 35. Light hydro-carbonous
oxide. 36. Heavy hydro-carbonous oxide. 37. Sulphuretted phospho-
rus. 38. Phosphuretted sulphur. 39. Amalgam of gold. 40. Alloy of
silver and copper. 41. Glass. 42. Liquor silicum.
Secondary Compounds.
43. Sulphite of potass. 44. Sulphate of potass. 45. Super-sulphate
of potass. 46. Sulphate of alumina. 47. Super-sulphate of alumina
and potass, alum. 48. Nitrate of potass. 49. Muriate of ammonia.
50. Hyper-oxygenized muriate of potass. 5 1. Tartrate of soda and
potass. 52. Sub-borate of soda. 53. Sub-muriate of mercury less
oxidized, calomel. 54. Muriate of mercury more oxidized, corrosive
sublimate. 55. Green sulphate of iron. 56. Brown sulphate of iron.
57. Tartrate of antimony and potass. 58. Sub-acetate of copper.
59. Acetate of copper. 60. Soap of soda. 61. Soap of ammonia.
62. Hydroguretted sulphuretof potass. 63. Litharge plaster. 64. Am-
moniuret of gold, Fulminating gold.
100 Pharmaceutical Calendar. App,
Pharmaceutical Calendar for the Climate of Weimar, by Gb'ttling, show-
ing- the principal objects which the Apothecary has to attend to in each
Month of the Year.
January — The concentration of vinegar by freezing,
Muriate of antimony,
Ethers,
Dulcified spirits,
Dippel's animal oil to be prepared;
Some gum resins, as assafoetida, galbanum, ammoniac, Sec.
to be powdered.
February — As in January.
Marc h — Meze reon bark,
Misletoe of the oak to be gathered;
Conserve of scurvy-grass to be prepared.
April — Spirit of scurvy-grass,
Syrup of violets, to be prepared.
May — Sloe flower water,
Conserve of sorrel,
Plaster of henbane,
Extract of succory, henbane, grass, dandelion, Sec.
Oil of beetles (Meloe majalis et proscarabaeus,)
Spirit of ants, earthworms, Sec.
June— -Distilled water of lily of the valley,
Various distilled spirituous waters,
Conserves of various herbs and flowers, as conserve of
roses, Sec.
Hemlock plaster,
Extracts of hemlock, fumatory, wild lettuce, aconite, &c.
July — Vinegar of roses,
Rose water,
Marjoram butter,
Preserved cherries, walnuts, currants, Sec.
Extract of elaterium,
Honey of roses,
Boiled oil of hypericum, Sec.
Distilled oil of rosemary, mint, parsley, pennyroyal, wild
thyme, Sec.
Syrup of cherries, raspberries, Sec.
Spirit of rosemary.
\ugust — Cherry water,
Extract of blessed thistle, thorn apple, Sec.
Boiled oil of wormwood, chamomile, Sec.
Distilled oil of wormwood, chamomile, peppermint, mille-
foil, rue, Sec.
Rob of mulberries,
Syrup of ditto.
September — Quince cinnamon water,
Oxymel of meadow saffron,
Quince cakes, (
Syrup of barberries, quinces, buckthorn,
Tincture of steel, with quince-juice.
October — Tincture of steel, with apple-juice.
November and December — As in January.
APPENDIX
No. I,
List of Substances contained in some of the latest arid most esteemed
Foreign Pharmacopoeias, but not inserted in the Materia Medica of
any of the British Colleges.
EXPLANATION OF THE ABBREVIATIONS.
1 . Brem.— - Pharmacopoeia in usum officinarum reipublicae Brcmensis
conscripta. 8vo. Bremae, 1792.
2. Aust. prov. — Pharmacopoeia Austriaco-provincialis, emendata.
8vo. Viennoe, 1794.
S. Aust. cast. — Pharmacopoeia Austriaco-castrensis. Svo.Ticini, 1795.
4. Ross. — Pharmacopoeia Rossica. 8vo. Petropoli, 1798.
5. Mar. — Apparatus medicaminum nosocomiis, generatim curationi
segrotorum paupcrum maxime accommodus Francisci Marabelli.
8vo. Pataviae, anno Reipub. Gall. Vlto. 1798.
6. Bor. — Pharmacopoeia Borussica. 4to. Berolini, 1799.
7. Gen. — Formulario Farmaceutico per uso deli* Ospedale di Pam-
matone. 8vo. Genova, 1800.
8. Van M. — Pharmacopee manuelle, par J. B. Van Mons. 8vo. A.
Bruxelles, an. IX. 1801.
9. Brugn.— -Pharmacopoeia ad uso degli speziali, e medici moderni
dclla republica Italiana, di L. Brugnatelli. 8vo. Pavia, 1802.
10. La G. — Manuel du Pharmacien, par E. J. B. Bouillon La Grange.
8vo. A Paris, an. XI. 1803.
11. Parm — Code Pharmaceutique, a l'usage des hospices civiles,
des secours a domiciles, et des prisons, publie par ordre du
Ministrc de Tinterieur. Par A. A. Paramentier. 8vo. Paris, 1803.
12. Al — Nouveaux elemens de Therapeutique et de Matiere Medi-
cale. Par J. L. Alibert. 8vo. Paris, an. XII.
102 Materia Medica. App.
I.AcHILLEA MILLEFOLIUM. Millefoin herba, Jlores. Ross. Aust.
prov. Brem. Bor. La G.
Smell somewhat aromatic; taste slightly astringent and bitterish;
effects stomachic and tonic.
2. Achillea Nobilis. Millefolii nobilis herba, Jlores. Ross.
Smell camphoraceous and aromatic, preferable in every respect to
the preceding- species.
3. Achillea Ptarmica. Ptarmicae radix; herba cum Jloribus.
Ross.
No smell; taste acrid; effects sialogogue, sternutatory.
4. Adiantum Capillus Veneris. Ca/iillus veneris; herba. Aust.
prov. Van M. La G.
Used for preparing the syrup called Capillaire.
5. Agaricus Muscarius. Ross.
Smell fetid; taste acrid; effects inebriating, and inducing delirium.
6. Alcea Rosea. Malva arborea Jlores. Ross. Brem. Bor.
No smell; taste mucilaginous and sub-astringent; effects emollient
and sub-astringent.
7. Ambra Ambrosiaca Grysea. Ambra Grysea. Ross. Bor.
Van M.
Smell agreeable; taste resinous and aromatic; effects exciting and
augmenting the nervous power.
8. Amomum Curcuma. Van M. Curcuma radix. Bor.
Taste bitterish, aromatic.
9. Amomum Grana Paradisi. Grana fiaradisi. Brem. La G.
Smell slightly aromatic; taste acrid; effects stimulating.
10. Amygdalus Nana. .Nuclei. Ross.
No smell; bitterish taste; a substitute for sweet almonds.
1 1. Amygdalus Persica. Flores. Van M. La G.
Aromatic; bitter; laxative.
12. Anagallis Arvensis. Anagallis. Herba. Aust. prov. Brem.
Ross. Bor.
No smell; taste at first herbaceous, afterwards bitter, and somewhat
acrid.
13. Anemone Pratensis. Pulsatilla nigricantis herba. Ross. Aust.
prov, Brem.
Smell slight; taste acrid, caustic, durable; effects diuretic and sti-
mulant.
14. Anemone Nemorosa. Ranunculi albi Jlores, et herba recens.
Ross.
Smell slight; taste acrid; effects rubefacient and blistering.
15. Antirrhinum Linaria Linaria.- Aust. prov. Brem. Bor.
Smell urinous; taste bitterish; effects diuretic.
16. Aristolochia Clematitis. Aristolochia vulgaris. Radix
Ross. (
Smell fragrant, but heavy; taste bitter, durable: effects diuretic,
emmenagogue.
App.
Materia Medica. 103
17. Aristolochia Longa. Radix., La G.
18. Aristolochia Rotunda. Radix. Brem. Bor. LaG.
Smell, taste, and effects similar to those of the preceding species
19. Aristolochia Trilobata. Stifiites; radix. Ross.
Smell fragrant, strong; taste bitterish, corresponding with the
smell; effect diaphoretic.
20. Artemisia Pontica. Absinthium fionticum; herba. Aust. prov.
Similar to A. absinthium, but weaker.
21. Asclepias Vincetoxicum. Radix. LaG.
Stimulant cordial; diaphoretic.
22. Asparagus Sativa. Radix. La G.
Taste bitter-sweet; mucilaginous; aperitive; imparting its smell to
the urine.
23. Asflenium ScoLorENDRiuM. Folia. Van M.
Sub-astringent.
24. Astragalus Exscapus. Radix. Ross. Aust. prov. Brem.
No smeli; taste bitterish and sub-astringent; effects demulcent, and
falsely supposed anti-syphilitic.
25. Aurum. La G.
26. Bellis Pereknis. Flos. Folium. Aust. prov.
No smell; taste slightly acrid.
27. Betonica Officinalis. Folia. La G.
Aperitive.
28. Betula Alnus. Alni folia. Ross.
No smell; taste astringent and bitterish; effects discutient and vul-
nerary.
29. Bismuthum, vulgo Marcasita. Bor.
A very brittle, fusible, and volatile metal. White oxide has specific
effects in Gastrodynia.
30. Bitumen Asphaltum. Asfihaltum. Bor.
A black friable bitumen, shining in its fracture.
31. Boletus Laricis. Agaricus Albus. Agaricus cfdrurgorum.
Brem. Aust. prov. Bor. Van M. La G.
Taste nauseous and bitter; effects emetic, cathartic, drastic.
32. Boletus Salicis. Bor.
An unequally porous fungus growing on the willow, and diffusing
an aromatic smell, especially after rain.
33. Bolus Alba. Aust. prov.
34. Bolus Armena. Aust. prov. Bor. Van M.
No smell; adheres to the tongue; effects exsiccativc.
35. Borago Officinalis. Folia, jlores. Van M. La G.
Saline; aperitive.
36. Bos Taurus. Lac vaccimon. Aust. prov. Gen. Bor. Van M
Nutritious; demulcent.
Serum lacds vaccini. Mar.
Attenuant; antiseptic.
Saccharumjactis. Bor.
Nutritious; demulcent.
Butyrum. Van M.
Unctuous.
Sevum Bovinum. Ross. Aust. cast.
Unctuous, emollient.
104 Materia Medica. App
Fel taurL Bor. Mar. Van M.
Stomachic.
37. Brassica (Eruca.) Eruca semina. Ross. Bor.
Smell heavy; taste acrid; effects stimulant.
38. Brunella Vulgaris. Folia. La G.
Vulnerary; astringent.
39. Bubon Mackdonicum. Semina. La G.
Acrid, aromatic.
40. Buglossum Officinale. Folia, Jlores. La G,
Demulcent.
41. Calendula Officinalis. Calendula. Aust. prov. Van M.
Taste bitterish.
42. Cannabis Sativa. Cannabis. Semina. Ross. Brem. Bor. Van M.
Smell weak; taste mawkish; effects emollient, anodyne.
43. Carduus Marianus. Carduus Marine. Semen. Brem.
Emulsive.
44. Carex Arenaria. Radix. Ross. Bor.
Smell agreeable, but not strong; effects demulcent, resolvent.
45. Carlina Acaulis. Carlince, seu Cardqfiat/iia Radix. Bor.
LaG.
Taste very acrid and bitter; smell somewhat aromatic, but nau-
seous.
46. Carthamus Tinctorius. Grana. La G.
Cathartic.
47. Ceratonia SiLiquA. Siliqua dulcis. Ross. Aust. prov. Brem.
Bor.
No smell; taste sweet; effects edulcorant, expectorant.
48. Chelidonium Majus. Radix, herba recens. Ross. Aust. prov.
Brem.
Smell heavy; taste acrid, bitterish, durable; effects acrid, purgative;
when dried, aperient, diuretic.
49. Chenopodium Ambrosioides. Chenoftodii herba. Brem. Bor.
Van M.
Smell strong, fragrant; taste acrid, aromatic; effects stimulant,
carminative, anthelmintic.
50. Chenopodium Botrys. Botrys vulgaris. Herba. Ross. Van M.
Qualities and effects similar to, but stronger than, those of the pre-
ceding species.
51. Cichorium Intybus, Cichorii radix, herba. Ross. Aust. prov.
et cast. Brem. La G. Van M. Gen. Bor. Mar.
No smell; tasle of the herb agreeably bitter, of the root intensely
bitter; effects aperient, tonic, diuretic.
52. Cicuta Viuosa. Herba. Bor.
Smell heavy; narcotic.
53. Clematis Erecta. FlammuU Jovis folia, Jlores. Ross. Aust.
prov. Bor. Van M.
Smell weak; taste acrid, blistering; effects diuretic, sudorific.
54. Coluber Vifera. La G.
Nutritious. (
55. Conferva Dichotoma. Fucus Iwlminthocortos. Hclmintho-
cortop. Ross. Brem. Gen. Bor. Mons.
App.
Materia Medica. 105
Smell marine, fetid; taste saline; effects purgative, anthelmintic.
56. Convallaria Majalis. Liliorum convalliumjlores. Bor. Mons.
LaG.
Aromatic; cephalic.
57. Convolvulus Americanus. Mechoacanha; radix. Brem.
LaG.
Taste at first sweetish, then sub-acrid; effect purgative.
58. Co>. volvulus Turpethum. Radix. Van M.
Cathartic.
59. Cordia Myxa. Fructus. La G.
Pectoral.
60. Cucumis Melo. Melo. Semen. Aust. prov. Bor.
Emulsive.
61. Cucurbit a Pepo. Pr/w. Semen. Aust. prov.
Emulsive.
62. Cycas Circinalis. Sago grana. Ross. Brem.
Amylaceous; nutritious.
63. Cynoglossum Officinale. Radix. Van M. LaG.
Astringent; inspissant.
64. Cynomorium Coccineum. Fungus Melitensis. Ross.
No smell; taste styptic, bitterish, saline; effects roborant, astrin-
gent.
65. Cytinus LIypocistis. lly/wci.s/is. Succus insfiissatus. Aust.
prov.
Taste acrid, austere; effect astringent.
66. Dictamnus Albus. Radix. Aust. prov. Brem. Bor. La G.
Smell fragrant; taste bitter, sub-aromatic; effects tonic, anthel-
mintic.
67. Digitalis Epiglottis. Folia. Gen.
An Italian substitute for the D. purpurea.
68. Epidendrium Vanilla. Vanilla xiliqua. Ross. Van M. LaG.
Smell fragrant, balsamic; taste aromatic, sub-acid, unctuous; effects
heating, diuretic.
69..Eryngium Campestre. Radix. La G.
Aperitive; diuretic.
70. Erysimum Officinale. Erysimum. Herba. Brem. LaG.
Taste acrid; effects astringent, diuretic.
71. Eupatorium Cannabinum. Folia Van M.
Smell acrid, penetrating; taste intensely bitter; diuretic; emetic;
cathartic.
72. Euphorbia Officinalis. Eufihorbii Gummi. Ross. Aust. prov.
Bor. Van M.
No smell; taste, at first none, then pungent, burning; effects acrid,
drastic.
73. Euphrasia Officinalis. Herba. Van M. La G.
Opthalmic.
74. Fagara Octandra. Tacamahaca. Gummi-resina. Ross. Bor.
Smell fragrant, like lavender; taste bitterish, nauseous; effects to-
nic, stimulant.
75. Ficus Indica Religiosa. Lacca Gummi. Ross. Brem Bor.
Resinous.
o
106 Materia Medica. App.
76. Formica Rufa. Formica cum acervo. Ross. Brem. Bor.
Qualities and effects depend on the little acetous acid they contain,
77. Fragaria Vesca. Radix. Van M.
Refrigerant; diuretic.
78. Gadus Lota. Musteia Jluviatilis. Liquamen hefiatis. Aust.
prov.
Nauseous; diuretic, cathartic; chronic rheumatism.
79. Gentiana Pannonica. Gentiana. Radix. Aust. prov. et cast.
Qualities and effects the same as those of the gentiana lutea.
SO. Geum Rivale. Gei fialualris radix. Ross.
Smell weak; taste styptic, austere; effects tonic, astringent, febri-
fuge.
81. Geum Urbanum. Caryofihyllatce radix. Ross. Aust. prov.
Brem. Bor. La G.
Smell caryophyllaceous, lost by drying; taste styptic, bitter; effects
tonic, astringent, febrifuge; said to be an excellent substitute for
Peruvian bark.
82. Glecoma Hederacea. Hedera terrestris. Herba. Aust. prov
Brem. Bor. Van M. La G.
Taste bitterish, sub-acrid; effects expectorant, roborant.
83. Glycyrrhiza Echtnata. Liquiritia, radix. Bor.
A Russian substitute for the G. glabra.
84. Guilandina Moringa. Auces Behen. Bor.
Oily.
&5. Hedera Helix. Gwnmi-resina. La G.
Agglutinant.
86. Humulus Lupulus. Lufiuli strobuli. Bor. La G.
Agreeably bitter; anodyne, diuretic, resolvent.
87. Hypericum Quadrangulare. Hypericum. Mores. Brem.
Smell agreeable; taste bitterish, sub-astringent; balsamic; effects
vulnerary.
88. Ilex Aquifolium. Aquifolii folia. Ross. Bor.
No smell; taste astringent; effects febrifuge, antiarthritic.
89. Illicium Anisatum. Anisatum stellatum. Fructus. Aust. prov.
Brem. Ross, Bor. Van M. La G.
Smell aromatic; taste agreeable, like anise; effects pectoral, car-
minative, diuretic.
90. Imperatoria Ostruthium. Imfieratorix radix. Ross. Aust.
prov.
Smell aromatic; taste warm, pungent, very durable; effects stimu-
lant, carminative, sudorific, diuretic.
91. Jasminum Officinale. Jasmini Jiores. Ross. Brem.
Smell fragrant; taste bitterish; used as a perfume.
92. Lactuca Sativa. Folia. La G.
Refreshing; anodyne.
93. Lamium Album. Flores. Van M. La G.
Astringent; tonic.
94. Laurus Pechurim. Faba. Van M.
Bitter, aromatic; stimulant, stomachic.
95. Ledum Palustre. Rorismarini sylvestris herba. Ross. Aust.
prov. Bor.
App. Materia Medica. 107
Smell heavy, sub-aromatic; taste bitterish, sub-astringent; effects
resolvent, diuretic.
96. Lepidum Sativum. Folia, semina. La G.
Antiscorbutic, aperitive, diuretic.
97. Lichen Pulmonarius. La G.
Taste saline, bitter; pectoral.
98. Ligusticum Levisticum. Levistici herba, radix, seme?}.
Ross. Aust. prov. Brem. Bor.
Smell unpleasant; taste warm, aromatic; effects stimulant, carmi-
native, sudorific.
99. Liquidambar Styracifluum. Styrax Liguida. Balsamum.
Aust. prov. Bor. Van M. La G.
Smell fragrant; taste acrid, aromatic; effects stimulating, heating.
100. Loxicera Diervilla. Diervillce stifietes. Ross.
Taste and smell nauseous; effects antivenereal.
101. Lopeziana. Radix. Van M.
Syphilis.
102. Loranthus EuropjEUS. Viscum guercinum, lignum. Aust.
prov.
Smell nauseous; taste astringent, mucilaginous; effects tonic.
103. Lupixus Albus. Farina. Gen.
Farinaceous; bitter.
104. Lycoperdon Bovista. Ross.
No taste or smell; effects mechanical, suppression of haemorrhagy.
105. Lycopodium Clavatum. Lycofiodii temcn. Ross. Brem. Bor.
LaG.
No taste or smell; effects absorbent.
106. Lythrum Salicaria. Lysimachia fuirfiurea. Herba. Brem.
Salicaria. Aust. prov.
No smell; taste sub-astringent; effects astringent, tonic.
107. Malta Rotuxdifolia. Folia et flares. Gen.
Lemulcent.
108. Maxgaxesium. Manganesium oxidatum nativum. Bor. Mag-
nesia nigra. Ross. Magnesia vitrariorum. Aust. prov.
Used for the production of oxygen gas, oxy muriatic acid, and some
Qther chemical preparations.
109. Maranta Galaxga. Galanga radix. Ross. Aust. prov. Brem.
Bor. Van M. LaG.
Smell fragrant; taste aromatic, pungent, biting; effects stomachic,
heating.
110. Matricaria Chamomilla. V. Mons. ChamomilU vulgaris,
/lores, herba. Ross. Aust. prov. et cast. Brem. Bor. Mar.
Smell strong; taste bitter, warmish; effects stomachic, discutient;
substitute for chamomile.
1 1 1. Matricaria Parthexium. Matricaria. Flos, herba. Aust.
prov. Bor. Van M. La G.
Smell nauseous; taste bitter; effects stomachic.
1 12. Melissa Calamixtha. Folia. La G.
Anti-hysteric.
113. Meloe ProscaraBjEUS. Aust. prov. Melo'e majalis. Brem
Vermis majalis. Ross. Bor.
108 Materia Medica. ApP-
No smell; taste acrid; effects stimulating, diuretic, caustic.
1 14. Mentha Crispa. Herba. Ross. Aust. prov. Brem. Gen. Mar.
Van M.
Smell fragrant, strong; taste warm, aromatic, slightly bitter; effects
resolvent, stomachic, carminative.
1 15. Mkntha Aquatic a. Mentha rubra. Oleum distillatum. Aust.
cast.
Similar to the former.
116. Mercurialis Annua. Herba. Van M. La G.
Purgative.
117. Mimosa Senegal. Arabicum gummi. Brem.
Supposed to produce the finest gum-arabic.
118. Myrobalanus Citrina. Cortex fructuum. Terminalia sfie-
ties? Aust. prov.
Taste astringent; effects astringent.
119. Narcissus Pseudo-narcissus. Florcs. Van M.
Fragrant; antispasmodic.
120. Nigella Sativa. Mgella. Semen. Brem. La G.
Smell fragrant; taste acrid, aromatic; effects stimulating, errhine,
siaiogogue, anthelmintic.
121. Nymph jEA Lute a. Radix. La G.
Demulcent.
122. Ocimum Basilicum. Van M. Basilici herba. Bor.
Smell fragrant; expectorant.
123. Ononis Spinosa. Ononis radix. Aust. prov. Mar.
No smell; taste sweetish; effects diuretic.
124. Onopordum Acanthium. Cardui tomentosi herba recens. Ross.
No smell; taste bitterish; effects specific, the cure of cancerous
affections.
125. Orchis Mascula, Morio, Militaris, Maculata, Pyra-
mid alis, et Latifolia. Sale/i* Satyrium. Radix. Ross. Aust. prov.
et cast. Brem. Bor. Van M.
Taste amylaceous; effects nutritious.
126. Origanum Dictamnus. Dictamnus creticus. Herba. Brem.
Smell slight, aromatic; taste aromatic; effects stimulant.
127. Oryza Sativa. Oryza semen decorticaium. Ross. Van M.
Taste farinaceous; effects nutritious, astringent.
128. PjEonia Officinalis. Paonia radix. Ross. Brem. Bor. La G.
Smell unpleasant; taste at first sweetish, then disagreeably bitter;
effects antispasmodic.
129. Phkllandrium Aquaticum. Semen. Ross. Fomiculum aqua-
ticum. Brem. Bor.
Smell heavy; taste aromatic, acrid; effects stimulating, resolvent.
130. Phoenix Dactylifera. Fructus. Van M. La G.
Demulcent.
131. Piiysalis Alkekengi. Bacca. Van M. La G.
Diuretic.
132. Phytolacca Decandra. Phytolacca herba recens^ radix,
Ross. (
No smell; taste acrid, corrosive; effects corrosive in cancer.
133. Pimpinella Saxifraga. Pimfiinellx albg radix. Ross. Aust.
prov. Brem* Bor. La G.
App. Materia Medtca. 109
Smell fragrant; taste warm, acrid; effects stomachic, diaphoretic,-
diuretic.
134. Pinus Pinea. Pinus sativa. Nuclei. Aust. prov.
Taste sweet, blund; effects nutritious.
135. Pistacia V era. Fructus. La G.
Nourishing; analeptic.
136. Plantago Media. Plantago. Herba. Aust. prov.
Taste sub-astringent; effects astringent.
137. Plantago Psyllium et Cynops. Psyllii semen. Ross. Bor.
Taste nauseous, mucilaginous, then acrid; effects relaxant.
138. Polygala Amara. Herba, radio:. Uoss. Brem. Gen. Bor.
Van M.
No smell; taste bitter, acidulous, mucilaginous; effects demulcent,
roborant.
139. Polygala Vulgaris. Polygala. Radix. Aust. prov. Mar.
Taste sweetish, bitter; effects tonic, expectorant; substitute for
seneka.
140. Polypodium Vulgare. Polyfiodii radix. Ross. Aust. prov
Brem. Bor.
Taste at first sweet, then nauseous, bitter, and astringent; effects
demulcent, resolvent.
141. Populus Balsamifera. Tacamahaca. Gummi-reaina. Ross.
Van M.
Smell fragrant; taste nauseous, bitterish; effects stimulant, tonic.
142. Populus Nigra. Gemma. Van M.
Emollient; soporiferous.
143. Prunus Cerasus. Cerasorum rubrorum acidorum fructus.
oss. Brem. Bor.
Taste acidulous, sweetish; effects refrigerating, antiseptic.
Cerasorum nigrorum aqua. Aust. prov.
Narcotic.
144. Prunus Lauro-cerasus. Lauro-cerasi folia Ross. Brem.
Bor.
Smell fragrant; taste bitter, like that of bitter almonds; effects
highly deleterious, narcotic, resolvent, diuretic.
145. Pteris Aquilina. Ftiicis foemine radix. Ross.
Smell nauseous; taste viscid, bitterish; effects anthelmintic'.
146. Pulmonaria Officinalis. Folia. La G.
Antiphthysical.
147. Pyrus Malus. Poma acidula. Bor. Van M.
Acidulous.
148. Rana Esculenta. La G.
Nutritious.
149. Khamnus Zizyphus. Fructus. Van M.
Lubricant; expectorant.
150. Rheum Rhaponticum. Radix. La G.
Astringent.
151. Rubus Arcticus. Bacca. Ross. La G.
Smell fragrant; taste acidulous, vinous; effects refrigerant, anti-
scorbutic. Similar properties are possessed by the fruits of the rubv*
idaus, casiusjfructicosusy chamcemorus.
110 Materia Medica. App.
152. Rumex Acutus. Lafiathum acutum. Radix. Aust. prov. Brem
Bor. Mar. Van M. La G.
Taste bitterish, acidulous; effects astringent.
153. Sagus Farinaria. Medulla. Van M.
Nutritious.
154. Saliva Horminum. Folia. La G.
Astringent, tonic.
155. Sambucus Ebulus. Ebulus. Radix. Aust. prov.
Smell fetid; taste nauseous, bitter, acrid; effects drastic, cathartic
emetic, narcotic.
156. Sanicula Europ^sa. Folia. La G.
Harsh, herbaceous taste.
157. Saponaria Officinalis. Sajionaria radix. Ross. Aust. prov-
et cast. Brem. Bor. Mar. Van M. La G.
No smell; taste slightly sweet, bitter, and glutinous; effects deter-
gent.
158. Scabiosa Succisa. Radix. La G.
Alexipharmic.
159. Scabiosa Arvensis. Scabiosa. Folium. Aust. prov. Van M.
Taste slightly bitter; effects expectorant, vulnerary.
160. Scandix Cerefolium. Cerefolii herba. Succus. Brem. Aust,
prov.
Smell weak, balsamic; taste aromatic, balsamic; effects aperient,
pectoral, diuretic.
161. Scorzonera Hispanica. Scorzotiera. Radix. Aust. prov. Bor.
Taste sweetish; effects aperient, demulcent.
162. Sec ale Cereale. Secalis farina. Aust. prov. Gen. Van M.
Taste farinaceous; effects nutritious.
163. Sempervivum Tectorum. Sedi majoris folia virentia. Ross
Aust. prov. Brem.
Smell weak; taste sub-acrid, slightly styptic; effects refrigerant,
astringent.
164. Senecio JacoBjea. Herba. Van M.
Anthelmintic.
165. Sepia Octopoda. Sepia os. Brem.
A carbonate of lime agglutinated by animal gluten.
166. Sium Sisarum. Ginseng. Radix.
Bitter sweet, tonic.
167. Smilax China. Chines: radix. Aust. prov. Brem.
No smell; taste mucilaginous; effects sudorific, antivenereal.
168. Solanum Nigrum. Herba. Bor. Van M. Mar.
Smell nauseous; effects diuretic, narcotic.
169. Spigelia Anthelmia. Herba cum radice. Ross. Brem.
Taste and smell fetid; effects narcotic, purgative, anthelmintic.
170. Strychnos nux Vomica. JVux vomica. Bor. Van M. La G.
No smell; taste intensely bitter; effects tonic, narcotic, deleterious.
171. Symphitum Officinale. Van M. La G. Symphili radix.
Ross. Consolida major. Aust. prov. Brem.
No smell; taste mucilaginous; effects emollient, inspissant.
172. Testudo Ferox, Sec. LaG.
Nutritious.
App.
Materia Medica. Ill
173. Teucrium Cham^pitys. Chamafiityos herba. Ross.
Smell fragrant; taste bitter and aromatic; effects tonic.
174. Theobroma Cacao. Van M. La G. Cacao. Nucleus. Oleum.
Ross. Aust. prov. Brem. Bor.
Little smell; taste pleasant and oily, very slightly astringent and
bitterish; effects nutritious. Oil bland, sweetish; effects emollient,
lubricating.
175. Thymus Serpyllum. Serfiylli herba. Ross. Aust. prov. Brem.
Bor. La G.
Smell fragrant; taste aromatic, bitterish; effects stimulant, diuretic,
emmenagogue.
176. Thymus Vulgaris. Thymi herba. Ross. Brem. La G.
Smell fragrant; taste warm, pungent, bitter; effects stimulant, diu-
retic, emmenagogue.
177. Tilia EuropjEa. Flores. Van M. La G.
Fragrant; anodyne.
178. Trifolium Melilotus Officinalis. Mcliloti herba cum
Jloribus. Ross. Aust. prov. Brem. Bor. Van M.
Smell fragrant; taste herbaceous, bitterish; effects discutient.
179. Triticum Repens. Van M. La G. Graminis radix. Ross.
Aust. prov. et cast. Brem. Gen. Bor.
Smell herbaceous; taste sweetish; effects aperient, demulcent.
180. Vaccinium Myrtillus. Myrtilli bacca. Ross. Aust. prov.
No smell; taste acidulous, sub-astringent; effects refrigerant, astrin-
gent.
181. Vaccinium Oxycoccos. Oxycocci bacca. Ross.
Taste acidulous; effects refrigerant.
182. Vaccinium Vitis IdjEA. Vitis idace baccay folia. Ross.
Taste acidulous; effects refrigerant, antiseptic.
183. Veratrum Sabadilla. Van M. Sabadillce semen. Ross. Aust
prov. et cast. Brem. Bor. Mar. La G.
Taste very bitter, acrid, and caustic; effects stimulant, drastic, ca-
thartic, anthelmintic, errhine.
184. Verbascum Thapsus. Van M. La G. Verbasci fores, folia.
Ross. Aust. prov. Brem. Bor. Mar.
Taste of the leaves herbaceous, bitterish; effects emollient, discu-
tient; smell of the flowers sweet; taste sweet; effects pectoral.
185. Verbena Officinalis. Folia. La G.
Vulnerary.
186. Veronica Officinalis. Folia. Van M. La G.
Vulnerary; pectoral.
187. Vicia Fab a. Faba. Semen. Aust. prov.
Taste farinaceous; effects nutritious.
188. Viola Tricolor. Herba. Ross. Aust. prov. Jacea. Herba.
Brem. Bor. Mar. Van M.
Smell agreeable; taste mucilaginous, bitterish; effects anodyne.
189. Viscum Album. Bor. La G.
Glutinous; specific; anti-paralytic; anti-epileptic.
190. Vitis Vinifera Apyrena. PassuU minores. Ross. Brem.
Taste sweet, acidulous; effects refrigerant, demulcent, lubrica-
ting.
112
Materia Medica.
App.
No. II.
List of Animals which furnish Articles of the Materia Medica, ay-
ranged according to Cuvier's System.
rodentia.
Pachydermata.
ruminantia.
Cetacea.
MAMMALIA.
Castor fiber.
Sus scrofa.
Moschus moschiferus.
Cervus elaphus.
Ovis aries.
Bos taurus.
Physeter macrocephalus.
Galling.
Anseres.
aves.
Phasianus gallus.
Anas anser.
PISCES.
Chondropterygii. Acipenser sturio, stellatus, huso, ruthenus.
Canceres.
CRUSTACEA.
Cancer pagurus, astacus.
coleoptera.
Hymenoptera.
Hemiptera.
Gnathaptera.
INSECTA.
Lytta vesicatoria. (Meloe vesicatorius.)
Meloe proscarabaeus.
Cyneps querci folii.
Apis mellifera.
Formica rufa.
Cocus cacti.
Oniscus asellus.
Cephalopoda.
Acephala.
molusca.
Sepia officinalis.
Ostrea edulis.
vermes.
Hirudo medicinalis.
ZOOPHYTA.
Ceratophyta. Gorgonia nobilis. (Isis nobilis.)
Spongia. Spongia officinalis.
App.
Materia Medica.
113
No. III.
List of the Genera of Medicinal Plants, arranged according to the
Linnaan System.
Ord. Monogynia. Convolvulus.
Datura.
Hyosciamus.
Nicotiana.
Verbascum..
Chironia.
Cordia.
Strychnos.
Capsicum.
Solanum.
Physalis.
Atropa.
Cinchona.
Lobelia.
Psychotria,
Cephaelis.
Lonicera.
Rhamnus.
Vitis.
Viola.
Ribes.
Hedera.
Ord. Digynia. Gentiana.
Chenopodium.
Ulmus.
Eryngiunr.
Sanicula.
Daucus.
Conium-.
Sium.
Cuminum.
Ferula.
Bubon.
Angelica.
Coriandrum.
Phellandrium-
Imperatoria.
Cicuta.
Carum,
Pastinaca.
Anethuim
Apium.
Pimpinella.
Ord. Trigynia. Sambucus.
Rhus.
Ord.PENTAGYNiA.Linum .
p
CI. I. MONANDRIA.
Ord. Monogynia. Kaempferia.
Curcuma.
Amomum.
Costus.
Maranta.
Lopezia.
CI. II. DIANDRIA.
Ord. Monogynia. Olea.
Veronica.
Gratiola.
Verbena.
Rosmarinus.
Salvia.
Ord. Trigynia. Piper.
CI. III. TRIANDRIA.
Ord. Monogynia. Valeriana.
Crocus.
Iris.
Ord. Digynia. Saccharum.
Avena.
Sepale.
Triticum.
Hordeum.
CI. IV. TETRANDRIA.
Ord. Monogynia. Scabiosa.
Plantago.
Penaea.
Rubia.
Fagara.
Santaium.
Alchemilla.
Dorstenia.
Ord. Digynia. Cuscuta.
CI. V. PENTANDRIA.
Ord. Monogynia. Pulmonaria.
Symphitum.
Borago.
Cynoglossum.
Anagallis.
Anchusa.
Spigelia.
Menyanthes.
114
Materia Medica.
App.
Cl. VI. HEXANDRIA.
Ord. Monogynia. Loranthus.
Berberis.
Narcissus.
Allium.
Aloe.
Convallaria.
Dracaena.
Scilla.
Asparagus.
Lilium.
Acorus.
Calamus.
Ord. Digynia. Oryza.
Ord. Thigynia. Colchicum.
Rumex.
Cl. VII. HEPTANDRIA.
Ord. Monogynia. jEsculus.
Cl. VIII. OCTANDRIA.
Ord. Monogynia. Amyris.
Vaccinium.
Daphne.
Ord. Trigynia. Coccoloba.
Polygonum.
Cl. IX. ENNEANDRIA.
Ord. Monogynia. Laurus.
Ord. Trigynia. Rheum.
Cl. X. DECANDRIA.
Ord. Monogynia. Myroxylon.
Toluifera.
Cassia.
Guilandina.
Dictamnus.
Haematoxylon.
Swietenia.
Guajacum.
Ruta.
Quassia.
Ledum. ...
Rhododendron.
Arbutus.
Sty rax.
Copaifera.
Ord. Digynia. Saponaria.
Dianthus.
Ord. Pentagynia.. Oxalis.
Ord. Decagynia. Phytolacca.
CI.XI. DODECANDRIA.
Ord. Monogynia. Asarum.
Garcinia.
Canella.
Portulaca.
Lythrum.
Ord. Digynia. Agnmonia.
Ord. Trigynia. Euphorbia.
Cl XII. ICOSANDRIA.
Ord. Monogynia. Cactus.
Eugenia.
Myrtus,
Punica.
Eucalyptus.
Amygdalus.
Prunus.
Ord Pentagynia. Pyrus.
Ord. Polygynia. Rosa.
Rubus.
Tormentilla.
Fragaria.
Potentilla.
Geum.
Cl. XIII. POLYANDRIA.
Ord. Monogynia. Papaver.
Chelidonium.
Cistus:
Tilea.
Nymphaea.
Ord. Digynia. Paeonia.
Ord. Trigynia. Delphinium
Aconitum.
Ord.TETRAGYNiA.Wintera.
Ord. Pentagynia. Nigella.
Ord. Polygynia. Clematis.
Helleborus.
Cl. XIV. DIDYNAMIA.
Ord. Gymnospermia. Glecoma.
Hyssopus.
Mentha.
Lavandula.
Teucrium.
Lamium.
Satureja.
Marrubium.
Thymus.
Ocimum.
Origanum.
Melissa*
App.
Materia Medica.
115
Ord. Angiosfermia. Euphrasia.
Scrophularia.
Digitalis.
CI. XV. TETRADYNAM1A.
Ord. SiliculosjE. Cochlearia.
Lepidium.
Raphanus.
Cardamine.
Sinapis.
Sisymbrium.
CI. XVI. MONADELPH1A.
Ord. Triandria. Tamarindus.
Ord. Polyandria. Malva.
Althaea.
CI. XVII. DIADELPHIA.
Ord Hexandria. Fumaria.
Ord. Octandria. Polygala.
Ord. Decandria. Pterocarpus.
Spartium.
Genista.
Lupinus.
Dolichos.
Astragalus.
Trifolium.
Glycyrrhiza.
Geoffroya.
Trigonella.
CI. XVIII. POLYADELPHIA.
Ord. Decandria. Theobroma.
Ord. Icosandria. Citrus.
Ord. Polyandria. Melaleuca.
Hypericum.
CI. XIX. SYNGENESIA.
Ord. POLYGAMIA .fcQUALIS.
Cichoreum.
Scorzonera.
Leontodon.
Lactuca. '
Carlina.
Arctium.
Carthamus.
Cynara.
Carduus.
Ord. POLYGAMIA SUPERFLUA.
Artemisia.
Tanacetum.
Bellis.
Matricaria.
Ord. POLYGAMIA SUPERFLUA.
Arnica.
Inula.
Solidago.
Senecio.
Tussilago.
Anthemis.
Achillea.
Ord. POLYGAMIA FRUSTRANEA.
Centaurea.
Ord. POLYGAMIA NECESSARIA,
Calendula.
CI XX GYNANDRIA.
Ord. Diandria. Orchis.
Epidendrum.
Ord. Hexandria. Aristolochia^
Ord. Dodecandria. Cytinus.
Ord. Polyandria. Arum.
CI XXI. MONOECIA
Ord.TETRANDKiA.Betula.
Morus.
Urtica.
Ord. Polyandria. Quercus.
Juglans.
Liquidamber.
Ord. Monadelphia. Pinus.
Ricinus.
( roton.
Ord. Syngenesia Momordica.
Cucumis.
Cucurbita.
Bryonia.
CI. XXII. DIOECIA.
Ord. Diandria. Salix.
Ord.TETRANDRiA Viscum.
Ord.PENTANDRiA.Pistacia.
Cannabis.
Humulus.
Ord. Hexandria. Smilax.
Ord. Octandria. Populus.
Ord. Monadelphia. Juniperus.
Cissampelos.
CI. XXIII. POLYGAMIA.
Ord. Monoecia^ Veratum.
Mimosa.
Parietaria.
Ord. Dioecia- Fraxinus.
Panax.
116
Materia Medica.
App.
Ord. Trioecia.
Ficus.
Ord. Fungi. Agaricus.
Ceratonia.
Boletus.
Lycoperdon
ci. xxiv. CRyp-;
Ord. Filices.
Poly podium.
CI. XXV. PALMjE.
Adiantum.
Cocos.
Ord. Musci.
Lycopodium.
Phoenix.
Ord. Algje.
Lichen.
Conferva.
Sagus.
App,
Materia Medioa,
117
List of Officinal Genera, arranged according to the Natural System %f
Jussieu, imfiroved by Ventenat.
CI. I. ACOTYLEDONES.
Orel. 1. Fungi. Lycoperdon.
Boletus.
Agaricus.
2. KiuGM. Conferva.
Lichen.
Plataphyllum.
3. Hkpatice.
4. Muse i. Lycopodium.
5. Filices. Polypodium.
Pteris.
Adianturti.
Cycas.
MONOCOTYLEDONES.
CI. II. STAMINA HYPOGYNIA.
Orel. 1. Pluviales.
2. Aroide^e. Arum.
Acorus.
3. Typhoideje.
4. CyPEROIDEjE.
5. GraminejE. Saccharum.
Lolium.
Hordeum.
Triticum.
Secale.
Avena.
Oryza.
CI. III. PERIGYNIA.
Ord. 1. Palm.e. Calamus.
Areca.
Cocos.
Sagus.
Phcenix.
Ord. 2. AsPARAGOIDEjE.
Dracaena.
Asparagus.
Convallaria.
S.SMiLACEjE.Smilax.
4. Ioncaceje. Veratrum.
Colchicum.
5. ALISMOIDEiE.
6. LlLIACE.E.
a. Asphodeloide^.
Scilla.
Allium.
b. Gloriosae.
Lilium.
c. Aloideae.
Aloe.
7\ NARClSSOIDEiE.
Narcissu^.
8.lRiDEiE. Iris.
Crocus^
CI. IV. EPIGYNIA.
Ord. 1. SciTAMINEiE.
2„ DryMYRHIZjE.
Amornum.
Kaempferia,.
3. OrchidejE. Orchis.
Vanilla.
4. HYDROCHARIDEiE.
D1COTYLEDONES.
A.FLORES APETALI.
CI. V. EPIGYNIA.
Ord. 1. AsaroidejE.
Aristolochia.
Asarum.
Cytinus.
CI. VI. PERIGYNIA.
Ord. 1. EljeagnoidejE.
2. Daphnoide^e. Daphne.
3. ProteoidejE.
4. Laurinex. Laurus.
Myristica.
5. PoLYGONEJE. CoCCOloba.
Polygonum.'
Rumex.
Rheum.
6. ChENOPODEjE.
Phytolacca.
Chenopodium.
118
Materia Medica.
APP<
Cl. VII. HYPOGYNIA.
Ord. 1. Amaranthoideje.
2. PlantaginejE.
Plantago.
Psyllium.
3. Nyctagineje. Mirabilis.
4. Plumbagine^e.
B. MENOPETALI.
Cl. VIII. HYPOGYNIA.
Ord. 1. Primulace^e.
2. OROBANCHOIDEiE.
3. RHINANTHOIDEiE.
Polygala.
Veronica.
4. AcANTHOIDEiE,
5. Lilace^. Fraxinus.
6. Iasmine-e. Oiea.
7. PYRENACEiE.
8. Labi at &. Rosmarinus.
Salvia.
Teucriuni.
Hyssopus.
Lavandula.
Mentha.
Glecoma.
Marrubium.
Origanum.
Thymus.
Melissa.
Ocimum.
9. Personate. Digitalis.
Gratiola.
10. Solane-s. Hyosciamus.
Nicotiana.
Datura.
Atropa.
Solanum.
Capsicum.
11. Sebesten^e. Cordia.
12. Borragine^e. Anchusa.
13. CONVOLVULACEiE.
Convolvulus.
14. POLEMONACEiE.
15. BlGNONEJE.
16. GENTIANEiE.
Menyanthes.
Gentiana.
Chironia.
Spigelia.
17. Apocine.e. Asclepias.
18. HlLOSPERMiE.
Cl IX. PERIGYNIA.
Ord. 1. Ebenace^e. Styrax.
2. Rhodorace^;.
Rhododendron.
Ledum.
3. Bicornes. Arbutus.
Vaccinium.
4. CampanulacejE.
Lobelia.
Cl. X. EPIGYNIA, with UNITED
A NT HE P. &.
Ord. 1. Cichorace^e. Lactuca.
Taraxacum.
Cichorium. .
Scolymus.
2. ClNAROCEPHALiE.
Cinara.
Arctium.
Centaurea.
3. CoRYMBIFERjE.
Anthemis.
Achillea.
Solidago.
Inula.
Tussilago.
Arnica.
Matricaria.
Tanacetum.
Artemisia.
Absinthium.
Cl XI. EPIGYNIA, with DIS-
TINCT ANTHERS.
Ord. 1. DipsACEiE. Valeriana,
2. Rubiaceje. Galium.
Rubia.
Cinchona.
Psychotria.
Coffea.
3. CaPRIFOLIACEjE.
Diervilla.
Sambucus.
Corn us.
Hedera.
DICOTYLEDONES. C. POLYPE-
TALL
Cl- XII. EPIGYNIA.
Ord. 1. AraliacejE. Panax.
2. Umbellifer^e.
Pimpinella.
Carum.
App.
Materia Medica.
119
Ord. 2. Umbellifer.e.
Apium.
Anethum.
Pastinaca.
Imperatoria.
Scandix.
Coriandrum.
Phellandrium.
Cuminum.
Bubon.
Sium.
Angelica.
Ligusticum.
Ferula.
Cicuta.
Daucus.
Eryngium.
CI. XIII. HYPOGYNIA.
Ord. 1. Ranunculaces.
Clematis.
Helleborus.
Delphinium.
Aconitum.
2. Tulipifers. Illicium.
3. Glyptosperms.
4. Menispekmoide^:.
5. BERBERiDEiE. Berberis.
6. PAPAVERACE£.
Papaver.
Chelidonium.
Fumaria.
7. Crucifer/E. Raphanus.
Sinapis.
Sisymbrium.
Cardamine.
Cochlearia.
Nasturtium.
8. Capparides.
9. SaPONACE-E.
10. MALPIGHIACEiE.
Hippocastanum.
1 1. HyPERICOIOES.
Hypericum.
12. GuTTIFERS.
Mangostana.
15. Hesperides. Citrus.
14. Meliaceje. Canella.
Swietenia.
15. SARMENTACEiE. Vltis.
16. Geramoide^e. Oxalis.
Ord. 17. Malvaces. Malva.
Althaea.
Hibiscus.
Theobroma.
18. Tiliaceje. Tilia.
19. Cistoides. Cistus.
Viola.
20. Rutaces. Guaiacum.
RUTA.
Uictamnus.
21. Caryophylles.
Dianthus.
Linum.
CI. XIV. PERIGYNIA.
Ord. 1. PortulacEuE.
2. Ficoides.
3. Succulents. Sedura.
4. Saxifrages. Ribes.
5. CACTOIDEiE. CaCtUS.
6. Mblastomeje.
7. Calycanthems.
8. Epilobian.e.
9. Myrtoides.
Eucalyptus.
Melaleuca.
Myrtus.
Eugenia.
Caryophyllus
Punica*
10. Rosaces. Malus.
Pyrus.
Cydonia.
Rosa.
Alchemilla.
Tormentilla.
Potentilla.
Geum.
Rubus.
Cerasus.
P run us.
Amygdalus.
11. Leguminoss. Mimosa.
Tamarindus.
Cassia.
Moringa.
Haematoxyluro.
Spartium.
Genista.
Trigonella
Lupinus. .
120
Materia Medica.
App,
Ord. 1 1. LEGUMINOSiE.
Melilotus.
Dolichos.
Astragalus.
Glycyrrhiza.
Dalbergia.
Geoftraea.
Pterocarpus.
Copaifera.
12. TEREBINTACEiE. RllUS.
Amyris.
Terebinthus.
Bursera.
Toluifera.
Fagara.
Juglans.
13. RHAMNoiDEiE. Rhamnus.
DICOTYLEDONES. D. APETALI.
CI. XV. IDIOGYNIA.
Ord. 1. TlTHYMALOIDEiE.
Euphorbia.
Clutia.
Ricinus.
Ord. 1. Tithymaloidex.
Croton.
2. Cucurbitaceje.
Bryonia.
Elaterium.
Momordica
Cucumis.
Cucurbita.
3. Urticeje. Ficus.
Dorstenia.
Urtica.
Parietaria.
Humulus.
Piper.
Morus.
4. Amentaceje. Ulmus..
Salix.
Populus.
Betula.
Quercus.
Liquidamber.
5. Conifers. Juniperus.
Abies.
Pinus.
No. IV.
List of Substances belonging to the Mineral Kingdom^ which are used
in Medicine. ..
EARTHS.
LIME.
Carbonate of lime.
a, Chalk.
b, Marble.
BARYTA.
Carbonate of baryta.
Sulphate of baryta.
ALUMINA.
Bole.
SALTS.
Sulphate of magnesia.
Super-sulphate of alumina and
potass.
Sulphate of iron.
of copper,
of zinc.
Sub-borate of soda.
METALS,
Nitrate of potass.
Muriate of soda.
INFLAMMABLES.
Naphtha.
Bitumen.
Amber.
Sulphur,
Silver.
Copper.
Iron.
Tin.
Lead.
Mercury.
Zinc
Antimony.
Arsenic.
Bismuth.
MATERIA MEDICA
ACIDA— ACIDS.
1 HE opinions entertained of the principle of acidity have been
many and various: the experiments of that illustrious chemist
Lavoisier at length developed the mystery, and proved that the
acidifying principle is Oxygen; and that acids are nothing but
combustible substances combined with oxygen, which differ from
one another according to the nature of the combustible base.
As oxygen possesses so important a place in the formation of
acids, and as it has within these few years been introduced into
pneumatic medicine, as a powerful agent in the cure of diseases,
it will not be improper to enter more minutely into its conside-
ration.
Oxygen is the principle on which most of the chemical quali-
ties of atmospheric air depend. Its tendency to combination is
so very strong, that it has never been procured in a separate state.
Oxygen gas, or the combination of oxygen with caloric, is its
most simple form. This is permanently elastic, compressible,
transparent, inodorous, and insipid. Its specific gravity is 0.001 35.
It supports inflammation; is necessary for respiration and vege-
tation, and is decomposed in all these processes; it constitutes
0.22 of atmospheric air. Oxygen is also a principal constituent
in water, in all acids and metallic oxides, and in almost all ani-
mal and vegetable substances. It is separated from many of its
combinations by the sun's rays.
As an important characteristic distinction between simple sub-
stances consists, in some possessing no affinity whatever for oxy-
gen, whilst others have a more or less strong attraction for it, it
will be proper to explain in this place, the general phenomena
which attend the combination of oxygen with oxygenizable bases.
The term combustion has been by the French chemists incor-
rectly extended to all these combinations; for in common lan-
guage, that word is applied to cases in which oxygen is not an
agent, and always supposes the production of heat and light,
although in numberless instances of oxygenizement these phe-
nomena do not appear.
Q
122 Materia Medica.
Oxygenizement is an example of chemical union, and is sub-
jected to all the laws of affinity.* It requires the presence and
contact of oxygen, and of another substance possessing affinity
for it.
Oxygenizable bases attract oxygen with very different degrees
of force. This attraction is much influenced by temperature.
Thus charcoal, which at ordinary temperatures seems to possess
no attraction for oxygen, unites with it rapidly, and almost inse-
parably, when heated to ignition.
Oxvgen combines with most oxygenizable substances in cer-
tain definite proportions, perhaps only in one; and the apparent
variety of proportions may be owing to a second or third similar
combination of the first compound with another quantity of oxy-
gen, or of the base; and of the second compound with a third
quantity.
The attraction between oxygen and the oxygenizable bases, is
in the inverse ratio of saturation; or, in other words, the affinity
by which they form their primary combinations, is stronger than
that by which they form any secondary combination, and so on
progressively.
In many instances, oxygenizement is so strongly opposed by
cohesion, that it docs not take place unless assisted by a degree
of heat sufficient to melt or vaporize the oxygenizable base.
It is also often accompanied by the extrication of caloric and
light in a very conspicuous degree. To these the term combus-
tion should be confined; and only such oxygenizable bases as are
capable of exhibiting these phenomena are combustible. These
phenomena depend upon the new compound having a weaker
affinity or less capacity than its constituents for light and caloric,
which are therefore extricated.
If the combustible body be vaporized, flame is produced, and
the process is then denominated Inflammation.
By its union with oxygenizable substances, oxygen undergoes
very various changes of its properties. In many instances, the
compounds of oxygen are fluid or solid, opaque, coloured, inca-
pable of supporting inflammation, and deleterious to animal or
vegetable life. The changes which the oxygenizable bases un-
* Affinity is regulated by the following laws:
a. It does not act at sensible distances.
b. It is exerted only between particles of different species.
c. It is exerted by different bodies* with different degrees of force
d. Most bodies combine only in certain proportions.
e It is in the inverse ratio of saturation.
f. It increases with the mass.
g Its action is influenced by cohesion and elasticity.
h. It is often accompanied by a change of temperature.
i. Substances, chemicalh combined, acquire new properties;
k. And cannot be separated by mechanical means.
A.— Acida, &c. 123
dergo, are no less conspicuous. Their form, colour, taste, odour,
density, permeability to light and electricity, specific caloric, and,
finally, their affinities, are often totally altered.
When, in consequence of oxygenizement, any substance ac-
quires a sour taste, and the properties of converting vegetable
blues to red, and of saturating or destroying the characteristic
properties of alkalies and earths, it is said to be acidified, and
such compounds are termed Acids.
When it does not acquire these properties, the compounds are
termed Oxides.
Many oxides are capable of being converted into acids, by
combination with an additional quantity of oxygen.
Oxygen is capable of combining at the same time with two
or more substances; and the oxides or acids which result from
such combinations, are termed oxides or acids with a double or
triple base.
In general, the bases which are least simple, unite with oxygen
in the greatest variety of proportions.
Primary Compounds of Oxygen.
A. Binary,
a. With nitrogen:
1. Atmospheric air.
2. Nitrous oxide.
3. Nitric oxide.
4. Nitric acid.
b. With hydrogen: water.*
c. With carbon:
1. Incombustible coal, plumbago.
2. Charcoal, fcarbonous oxid, ).
3. Gaseous oxide of carbon, (carbonic oxide).
4. Carbonic acid.
d. With sulphur:
1. Protoxide of sulphur.
2. Peroxide of sulphur.
3. Sulphureous acid.
4. Sulphuric acid.
e. With phosphorus:
1. Oxide of phosphorus.
2. Phosphorous acid.
3. Phosphoric acid.
f. With metals:
1. Metallic oxides.
2. Metallic acids.
* Also muriatic acid, as shewn by the Galvanic experiments of professor
Paschioni and Mr. Peel.
124 Materia Medica.
B. Ternary,
a. With carbon and hydrogen:
1. Oxides. Hydro-carbonous oxides, alcohol, ether,
oil, vegetable substances.
2. Acids. Vegetable acids.
b. With hydrogen and sulphur:
Sulphuretted hydrogen, hydroguretted sulphur.
C. Quaternary, with hydrogen, carbon and nitrogen.
1. Oxides. Animal substances.
2. Acids. Animal acids.
Acids are divided into those with simple bases, and those with
compound bases.
Of Acids with Simple Bases*
Nit r as Pot ass ce.
Sulphur.
Phosphorus.
They are,
Carbonic acid gas, vide Carbo Ligni
Nitrous acid,
Nitric acid, -
Sulphurous acid gas,
Sulphuric acid,
Phosphorous acid,
Phosphoric acid,
Metallic acids, viz.
Arsenious acid, - 1 A
. . , ' v Arsenicum.
Arsenic acid, - - J
Tungstic acid.
Molybdic acid.
Chromic acid.
Columbic acid.
Other metallic oxides seem capable of acidification; but our
information respecting them is not yst sufficient to enable us to
enumerate their properties.
Besides some of the metals, hydrogen is the only simple sub-
stance which does not seem to be capable of acidification; and,
on the other hand, there are three acids, with whose composition
we are still unacquainted, viz.
Muriatic acid.^ vide Murias sodce,
Boracic acid. - - Sub*boras sodce.
Fluoric acid.
* Galvanism has apparently unfolded to us the composition of the muriatic
acid. The late experiments of professor Pacchioni have led him to conclude
that hydrogen is its base, in union with a smaller proportion of oxygen than
enters into the composition of water.
A. — Acida Acetosum, &c. 125
Of Acids with Compound Bases.
The compound acids possess the properties of acids in general;
but they are distinguished from the acids with simple bases, by
their great alterability.
The ternary acids coincide nearly with the vegetable acids,
and are characterized by their being converted entirely into water
and carbonic acid when completely decomposed by oxygen. They
consist of various proportions of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
The quaternary acids coincide nearly with the animal acids;
and are characterized by their furnishing ammonia as well as
water and carbonic acid when decomposed.
The ternary acids are,
Acetic acid. vide Acidum Acetosum.
Oxalic. - - Oxalis Acetosella.
Tartaric. - Super- Tartris Potasses.
Citric. - - Citrus Medica.
Malic.
Lactic.
Gallic. - - ^itercus Cerris.
Mucous.
Benzoic. - - Styrax Benzoin.
Succinic. - Succinu?n.
Camphoric. - Laurus Camphora.
Suberic.
Laccic.
Sebacic. - - Adeps.
The quaternary acids are,
Prussic acid. vide Amygdalus Communis.
Amnic.
Uric.
Of the above mentioned acids such only are noticed, as are
connected with articles of the materia medica.
ACIDUM ACETOSUM IMPURUM. Ed.
Impure Acetous Acid.
Syn. Acetum, L. 1 Tr.
AcetumVini,D.} Fme£ar-
D. Azyn. P. Vinagre.
DA. Arddike. POL. Ocet.
F. Vinaigre. R. Ukzus.
G. Ea&ig. S. Vinagre.
L Aceto. SW. Attika.
1 26 Materia Medica.
This acid is employed in three different states, which have
been distinguished from each other by peculiar names. When
first prepared, it is called vinegar; when purified by distillation,
it assumes the name of distilled vinegar ', usually called acetous
acid by chemists; when concentrated as much as possible by pe-
culiar processes, it is called radical vinegar, or acetic acid.
Vinegar, as obtained by the fermentation of vinous liquors,
besides the pure acetic acid diluted with much water, contains
tartaric acid, tartrate and super-tartrate of potass, mucilaginous
and extractive matters, and sometimes citric, malic and phos-
phoric acids, alcohol and a peculiar agreeable aroma. These sub-
stances render it apt to spoil, and unfit for pharmaceutic and
chemical purposes. By distillation, however, the acetic acid is
easily separated from such of these substances as are not volatile.
The least impure is that prepared from white wine. It should be
of a pale yellow colour, perfectly transparent, of a pleasant, some-
what pungent acid taste, but without any acrimony. From the
mucilaginous impurities which all vinegars contain, they are apt,
on exposure to the air, to become turbid and ropv, and at last
vapid. This inconvenience is best obviated by keeping them in
bottles completely filled and well corked. They are said to keep
better if they are boiled a few minutes before they be corked.
Vinegar is sometimes adulterated with sulphuric acid. Its pre-
sence is detected, if on the addition of a solution of nitrate of ba-
ryta to the suspected vinegar, a white precipitate is formed, which
is insoluble in nitric acid, after having been burnt in the fire.
With the same intention of making the vinegar appear stronger,
different acrid vegetables are occasionally infused in it. This
fraud is difficult of detection; but when tasted with attention, the
pungency of such vinegar will be found to depend rather on acri-
mony than acidity.
Vinegar possesses strong antisceptic powers on dead animal
and vegetable matters. Hence its employment in pickling. The
fine green colour so much admired in some vegetable pickles is
often improperly given them by means of copper. This poisonous
addition is easily detected, on dropping some carbonate of am-
monia into the suspected vinegar, by the fine blue colour pro-
duced.
Medical use. Its action on the living body is gently stimulant
and astringent. It promotes transpiration and the discharge by
urine; and used moderately as a condiment, it facilitates di-
gestion.
Vinegar is employed as an useful addition to drink, in inflam-
matory fevers, in the proportion of about an ounce to a quart.
As a medicine, it is used in scurvy, and to counteract the effects
of narcotic poisons and mephitic vapours. In the form of clys-
ter, it is used in the same diseases, and in obstinate constipation.
A. — Acidum Acetosum, &x. 127
Externally, it is applied in fomentations and baths, as a stimulant
and discutjent; and its vapour is inhaled in putrid sore throat,
and diffused through the chambers of the sick to correct the pu-
trescency ok the atmosphere.
Officinal Preparations.
Acidum acetosum destillatum, E. L. D.
forte, K. L.
camphoratum, E. Vide, Ac eta Me die at a.
Acetum aromaticum, E. Idem.
colchici, D. Idem.
scillae, L. D. - - - Idem.
Cataplasma sinapeos, L. D. - - Cataplasmata.
Ceratum saponis, L. D. - - Ungaenta.
Mtl acetatum, L. D. - - - Mella Medicata.
Oxymel seruginis, L. - Idem.
colchici, L. Idem.
scillae, L. Idem.
Syrupus acidi acetosi, E. Syrufri.
colchici, E. - - - Idem.
ACIDUM ACETOSUM DESTILLATUM. Ed.
Distilled Acetous Acid.
Syn. Acetum Destillatum, L. D. Distilled Vinegar.
Let eight pounds of acetous acid be distilled in glass-vessels,
with a gentle heat. The two first pounds which come over, being
too watery, are to be set aside; the next four pounds will be the
distilled acetous acid. The remainder furnishes a still stronger
acid, but too much burnt by the fire. (E.)
The specific gravity of this acid is to the weight of distilled
water, as 1004 to 1000. {Dub. Col.)
By distillation vinegar loses its agreeable flavour, and becomes
considerably weaker; for the water being rather more volatile
than acetic acid, comes over first, while the last and strongest
portion of the acid cannot be Obtained free from empyreuma.
The process may be performed either in a common still or ra-
ther in a retort. The better kinds of wine vinegar should be used.
Indeed, with the best kind ot vinegar, if the distillation be car-
ried on to any great length, it is extremely difficult to avoid em-
pyreuma. The best method of preventing this inconvenience is,
if a retort bt used, to place the sand but a little way up its sides,
and when somewhat more than half the liquor is come over, to
128 Materia Medica.
pour on the remainder a quantity of fresh vinegar equal to the
liquor drawn off. This may be repeated three or four times; the
vinegar supplied at each time being previously heated. The ad-
dition of cold liquor would not only prolong the operation, but
also endanger the breaking of the retort.
Lowitz recommends the addition of half an ounce of recently-
burnt and powdered charcoal to each pound of vinegar in the
still, as the best means of avoiding empyreuma.
If the common still be employed, it should likewise be occa-
sionally supplied with fresh vinegar, in proportion as the acid
runs off, and this continued until the process can be conveniently
carried no farther. The distilled acid must be rectified by a se-
cond distillation in a retort or glass alembic; for although the
head and receiver be of glass or stone ware, the acid will con-
tract a metallic taint from the pewter worm.
The residuum of this process is commonly thrown away as
useless, although, if skilfully managed, it may be made to turn
to good account, the strongest acid still remaining in it. Mixed
with about three times it weight of fine dry sand, and committed
to distillation in a retort, with a well regulated fire, it yields an
exceedingl strong empyreumatic acid. It is, nevertheless, with-
out any rectification, better for some purposes, as being stronger
than the pure acid; particularly for making acetate of potass or
soda; for then the empyreumatic oil is burnt out.
Distilled vinegar should be colourless and transparent; have a
pungent smell, and purely acid taste, totally free from acrimony
and empyreuma, and should be entirely volatile. It should not
form a black precipitate on the addition of a solution of baryta,
or of water saturated with sulphuretted hydrogen; or change its
eolour'when super-saturated with ammonia. These circumstances
shew, that it is adulterated with sulphuric acid, or contains lead,
copper, or tin.
Distilled acetous acid, in its effects on the animal economy,
does not differ from vinegar, and as it is less pleasant to the taste,
it is only used for pharmaceutical preparations.
Officinal Preparations.
Acetum potassa?, E. I.. D. - vide Potassa.
Aqua acetitis ammonia, E. L. D. Ammonia.
Acetis plumbi, E. L. D 1 Plumbum,
Aqua lythargyn acetati, L. D. J
Acetis hydrargyri, E. h. D. - Hydrargyrum.
A. — Acidum Acetosum Forte, &c. 12,9
ACIDUM ACETOSUM FORTE. Ed.
Strong Acetous Acid.
Syn. Acidum Acetosum, L. Acetous Acid*
Acid Aceticum, D. Acetic Acid.
Take of
Sulphate of iron dried, one pound;
Acetite of lead, ten ounces.
Having rubbed them together, put them into a retort, and distil
in a sand bath with a moderate heat, as long as any acid comes
over. fE.)
Specific gravity, 1050. (L.)
Acetic acid is a transparent and colourless fluid, of an extremely
pungent smell and a caustic acid taste, capable of reddening and
blistering the skin. It is very volatile, and its vapour is highly
inflammable; it combines with water in every proportion; it com-
bines with sugar, mucilage, volatile oils, alcohol; it dissolves bo-
racic acid, and absorbs carbonic acid gas; it is formed by the aci-
dification of sugar, and by the decomposition of some other ter-
nary and quaternary compounds by heat or acids. It is decom-
posed by the sulphuric and nitric acids, and by heat. The pro-
portions of its constituents are not ascertained. In its ordinary
state, it has only an acid taste, a pleasant odour; congeals and
crystallizes at 22°, and is vaporized at 212°.
Acetates are very soluble in water; are decomposed by heat,
by exposure of their solutions to the air, and by the stronger
acids.
By the above process the acetic acid is prepared. It is now
generally believed to differ from distilled vinegar only in strength,
and in being perfectly free from all mucilaginous matter; there-
fore, according to the principles of nomenclature, which gives
simple names to simple substances, the strong acid should be
acetic acid, and our present acetous acid should be weak or dilute
acetic acid.
Many different processes have been proposed for preparing
acetic acid, but they may be arranged in three classes. It may be
prepared,
1. By decomposing metalline acetates by heat.
2 acetates by sulphuric acid-
3 acetates by sulphates.
The process of the London college which uses the verdegris
is an example of the first kind. But the heat necessary is so great,
that it decomposes part of the acetic acid itself, and gives the
product an empyreumatic and unpleasant smell.
R
130 Materia Medica.
By the superior affinity of sulphuric acid, the acid may be
easily expelled from every acetate, whether alkaline or metallic;
but part of the sulphuric acid seems to be deprived of its oxygen,
and to be converted into sulphurous acid, which renders the pro-
duct impure.
The processes of the last kind are preferable to the others in
many respects. They are both more economical, and they furnish
a purer acid. Mr. Lowitz directs one part of carefully-dried ace-
tate of soda to be triturated with three parts of super-sulphate of
potass, and the distillation to be conducted in a glass retort with
a gentle heat. The Berlin college mix together twelve ounces of
sulphate of potass with six of sulphuric acid diluted with eighteen
of water, and evaporate to dryness. With the super-sulphate of
potass thus prepared they decompose nine ounces of acetate of
soda dried with a gentle heat. The process of the Edinburgh col-
lege also belongs to this class, and was first proposed by C. Ba-
dollier, apothecary at Chartres.
Medical use* It is almost solely used as an analeptic remedy
in syncope, asphyxia, hysteric affections, and headachs. Applied
to the skin, it acts as a stimulant and rubefacient, but it is most
frequently snuffed up the nostrils in a state of vapour.
Officinal Pre par at ion.
Acidum acetosum camphoratum, E. vide Aceta Medicata.
ACETA MEDICATA,
MEDICATED VINEGARS.
Infusions of vegetable substances in acetic acid are commonly
called medicated vinegars. The action of the acid in this case
may be considered as twofold.
1. It acts simply as water, in consequence of the great quan-
tity of water which enters into its composition, and generally
extracts every thing which water is capable of extracting.
2. It exerts its own peculiar action as an acid. In consequence
of this, it sometimes increases the solvent power of its watery
portion, or dissolves substances which water alone is incapable
of dissolving, and in a few instances it impedes the solution of
substances which water alone would dissolve.
As acetic acid, in itself sufficiently perishable, has its tendency
to decomposition commonly increased by the solution of any ve-
getable matter in it, it should never be used as a menstruum,
unless where it promotes the solution of the solvend, as in ex-
A. — Aceta Medicata, &c. 131
tracting the acrid principle of squills, colchicum, &c. and in dis-
solving the volatile, and especially the empyreumatic, oils, or
where it coincides with the virtues of the solvend.
- ACETUM AROMATICUM. Ed.
Aromatic Vinegar,
Take of
Tops of rosemary, dried,
Leaves of sage, dried, each four ounces;
Flowers of lavender, dried, two ounces;
Cloves, two drachms;
Distilled acetous acid, eight pounds.
Macerate for seven days, express the liquor, and strain it. (E.)
This is given as an improved preparation of the Vinaigre des
quatre voleurs, which was supposed to be a certain prophylactic
against the contagion of plague, and similar diseases. It is in fact
a pleasant solution of essential oils in vinegar, which will have
more effect in correcting bad smells than in preventing fever.
ACETUM COLCHICI. Dub.
Vinegar of Meadow Saffron.
Take of
The recent root of colchicum, cut in slices, one ounce;
Vinegar, one pound;
Diluted spirit of wine, one ounce and a half.
Macerate the root in the vinegar four days, in a glass vessel, fre-
quently agitating them ; then express the acid, to which, decant-
ed from the feces, after they have subsided, add the spirit. (D.)
The acrid principle in which the virtue of the colchicum re-
sides, is more soluble in vinegar than in water: this is therefore
a preparation of considerable activity. The diluted alcohol is
added merely to prevent it from spoiling.
ACETUM SCILLiE MARITIME. Ed.
Vinegar of Squills.
Syn. Acetum SciLLyt, L. Vinegar of Squills.
Acetum Scilliticum, D. Squill Vinegar.
132 Materia Medica.
Take of
Squills, recently dried, one pound;
Vinegar, six pints;
Proof spirit, half a pint.
Macerate the squills with the vinegar in a glass vessel, with a
gentle heat for twenty-four hours; then express the liquor, and
set it aside until the feces subside. To the decanted liquor add
the spirit. (L.)
Vinegar of squills is a medicine of great antiquity. It is a
very powerful stimulant; and hence it is frequently used, with
great success, as a diuretic and expectorant. The dose of this
medicine is from a drachm to half an ounce: where crudities
abound in the first passages, it may be given at first in a larger
dose, to evacuate them by vomiting. It is most conveniently ex-
hibited along with cinnamon, or other agreeable aromatic waters,
which prevent the nausea it would otherwise, even in small doses^
be apt to occasion,
Officinal Preparation.
Syrupus scillae, E vide Syrupu
ACIDUM ACETOSUM CAMPHORATUM. Ed.
Camphorated Acetous Acid.
Take of
The stronger acetous acid, six ounces;
Camphor, half an ounce;
Alcohol, a sufficient quantity.
Reduce the camphor to powder, by triturating it with the alco-
hol; then add it to the acid, and dissolve.
The alcohol in this preparation is used merely to facilitate the
reduction of the camphor to powder; for the strong acetous, or,
as we would rather call it, the acetic acid, is capable of dissolving
even a larger portion of camphor than is directed in the above
formula.
This solution is a powerful analeptic remedy. Its vapour snuff-
ed up the nostrils, which is the only method of using it, is one of
the most pungent stimula we possess. It is so extremely volatile,
that it cannot be preserved without excluding it from the contact
of the air; and it is so powerful a menstruum, that it corrodes
cork, and almost all common metals except gold. It should there-
fore be kept in glass phials, with ground glass stoppers, or in small
gold boxes, such as are used for Henry's aromatic spirit of
vinegar, for which it is in facta simple substitute.
A. — Accipencer, &c. 133
ACCIPENSER HUSO et RUTHEKUS, Ichthyocolla,(L. D.)
The Beluga or Isinglass fish. The Sterlet. Isinglass.
Pisces Branchiostegi, Cuvier.
D. Huisenblas*. P. Cola de peixe.
DA. Hau.sblaaH, Carlock. POL. Klci ruby, Karlnk.
F. Colic de PoLsson. R. Klei rubiii, Karluk.
G. Hausenblane . S. Col-pez.
I. Colla di fiesce. SW. Ilu.sblas.
Besides those mentioned by the London College, isinglass is
prepared from other species of accipenser, especially Am sturio,
the Sturgeon, and A. stellatus the Serruga.
The preparation of isinglass is almost peculiar to Russia. His
made in all places where the large species of sturgeon are caught,
as on the Dnieper, the Don, and especially on the Caspian sea,
also on the Volga, the Ural, the Obv, and the Irtysh. That pre-
pared from the sturgeon is reckoned the best, and next to it that
from the beluga. It also varies according to the mode of prepa-
ration. On the Volga and Ural, the sounds are watered while
fresh, and dried to a certain degree. The outer skin is next taken
off, and the inner glossy white membrane is twisted into proper
shapes, and then completely dried. The best is usally rolled into
the form of a snake or heart; the second folded in leaves, like a
book; and the worst is dried without any care. In other places,
as at Gurief, fish glue is extracted from the sounds by boiling.
This is cut into slabs or plates, is perfectly transparent, and has
the colour of amber. On the Okka, where the sterlet onlv is to be
had, the sounds are beat just as they are extracted from the fish,
and dried into glue.
Good isinglass is white, in some degree transparent, dry, com-
posed of membranes not too thick., and without anv smell.
The properties of isinglass depend entirely on the gelatin,*' of
* Gelatin, when exsiccated, is a hard, elastic, semi-transparent substance, re-
sembling hn; n, having a vitreous fracture: inalterable in the air, soluble in boiling
water, and forming- with it a gelatinous muss on cooling; it is also soluble, but
less readily, in cold water. It is completely insoluble in alcohol, and is even pre-
cipitated b\ it from its solution in water; it is soluble in acids, even when much
diluted, and also in the alkalies; but its most characteristic property is its affi-
nity for tannin, with which it forms a thick yellow precipitate, which soon con-
cretes into an adhesive, elastic mass, readily drying in the air, and forming a
brittle substance, of a resinous appearance, exactly resembling over tanned lea-
ther. It is also precipitated copiously b\ carbonate of potass. The solution of
gelatin in water first becomes acid, and afterwards putrid. When decomposed
b> nitric acid or heat, its products show that it contains only a small proportion
of nitrogen It is principally contained in the cellular, membranous, and tendi-
nous parts ol animals, and forms an important article of nourishment Glue and
isinglass, which are much employed in the arts, are almost pure gelatin.
1S4 Materia Medica.
which it principally consists. One hundred grains of good isin-
glass was found by Mr. Hatchett to contain rather more than 98
of matter soluble in water. A nutritious jelly may be prepared
from it. A watery solution of it is used as a test of the presence
of tannin, and for the clarification of spiritous liquors. Mr. Da-
vy's solution for the former purpose consists of 120 grains of
isinglass dissolved in twenty ounces of water, and if properly
made, at temperatures below 50. F. it has a tendency to
gelatinize.
It is also said to be employed for the preparation of English
court-plaster.
ACONITUM NEOMONTANUM.
Large blue Wolfsbane, Monk's-hood, Aconite. The root.
Aconitum Napellus. Folia, Ed,
Aconitum. Herba, L.
Aconitum. Folia, D.
Linncei Species Plantarum, edit* Willdenow, genus 1062. spe-
ties 9. Polyandria Trigynia, — Nat. ord. Multisiliquce.
This we are assured by Willdenow is the species of aconite
which has always been used in medicine, although it is almost
universally known by the name of Aconitum Napellus in conse-
quence of a botanical error of Stoerk, who introduced it into
practice.
It is a perennial plant, found in the Alpine forests of Carinthia,
Carniolia, and other mountainous countries in Germany, and
cultivated in our gardens.
The fresh plant and root are very violent poisons, producing
remarkable debility, paralysis of the limbs, convulsive motions of
the face, bilious vomiting, and cathseresis, vertigo, delirium, as-
phyxia, death. The fresh leaves have very little smell, but when
chewed have an acrid taste, and excite lancinating pains, and swell-
ing of the tongue. By drying, its acrimony is almost entirely de-
stroyed. For medical use the plant must be gathered before the
stem shoots.
Uses and dose. When properly administered, it acts as a pene-
trating stimulus, and generally excites sweat, and sometimes an
increased discharge of urine.
On many occasions, it has been found a very effectual remedy
in glandular swellings, veneral nodes, anchylosis, spina ventosa,
itch, amaurosis, gouty and rheumatic pains, intermittent fevers,
and convulsive disorders.
We may begin by giving one or two grains of the dried leaves
in powder, but it is commonly used in the form of an inspissated
A. — Acorus Calamus. 135*
juice. As soon as the plant is gathered, the juice is expressed, and
evaporated without any previous clarification, to the consistence
of an extract. It is an unfortunate circumstance, that the powers
of this medicine vary very much, according to its age and the heat
employed in its preparation. When recently prepared, its action
is often too violent, and when kept more than a year it becomes
totally inert. It may therefore be laid down as an universal rule,
in the employment of this and of many other similar active medi-
cines, to begin with very small doses, and to increase them gra-
dually to the necessary degree; and whenever we have occasion
to begin a new parcel of the medicine, we should commence with
an inferior dose, and proceed with the same caution as at first.
We may begin by giving half a grain of this extract, either
formed into a powder with ten grains of white sugar, or made up
with any convenient addition into a pill, twice or thrice a day, and
gradually increase the dose: Or a tincture of aconite may be pre-
pared by digesting one part of the dried leaves in six parts of
spirit of wine; the dose of which will be at first five or ten drops,
and may be gradually increased to forty and upwards.
Officinal Preparation.
Succus spissatus aconiti napelli, E. vide Succi spissati.
ACORUS CALAMUS. Ed.
Sweet Flag, The Root.
Syn. Calamus Aromaticus, L. D.
Willd. g. 663. sp. 1. — Hexandria Monogynia. — Nat. ord. Pi-
perita.
This plant is perennial, and grows plentifully in rivulets and
marshy places about Norwich and other parts of England, in the
canals of Holland, in Switzerland, and in other countries of Eu-
rope. It is also abundant in America. The shops have been
usually supplied from the Levant with dried roots, which are not
superior to those of our own growth.
The root of acorus is full of joints, crooked, somewhat flatted
on the sides, internally of a white colour, and loose spongy tex-
ture; its smell is strong; the taste warm, acrid, bitterish, and aro-
matic; both the smell and taste are improved by exsiccation. This
root is generally looked upon as a carminative and stomachic me-
dicine, and as such is sometimes made use of in practice. It is
said by some to be superior in aromatic flavour to any other ve-
getable that is produced in the northern climes of Europe; which
is by no means strictly true: it is nevertheless, a sufficientlv elegant
136 Materia Medka.
aromatic. The fresh root, candied, is said to be employed at-
Constantinople as a preservative against epidemic diseases. The
leaves of this plant have a sweet fragrant smell, more agreeable,
though weaker, than that of the roots.
Neumann obtained by distillation about two scruples of fra-
grant volatile oil from sixteen ounces of the dried root. It also
rose in distillation with water, but not with alcohol. The spi-
rituous extract from two ounces weighed 370 grains, and Avater
extracted from the residuum 190 grains. The watery extract
from two ounces weighed 455 grains, and the residuum gave out
to alcohol 43.
ADEPS— FAT, TALLOW.
D. Talg, Talg. P. Sebo.
DA. Talg, Talg. POL. Lay.
F. Saif. R. Sa/o tofdenoe.
G. Talg. S. Sebo.
I. Sevo, Sego. SW. Talg.
Fat and tallow scarcely differ from the fixed oils, except in be-
ing more concrete and more disposed to rancidity. Fat melts
between 92° and 127°. Tallow is still less fusible. They cannot
be converted into vapour without suffering decomposition, and,
when melted, leave, like oil, a greasy stain on paper.
Patenters into the composition of the various ointments, plas-
ters, cerates, &c. hereafter to be noticed. It is chiefly obtained
from the following sources, although many others might be ad-
vantageously employed.
BOS TAURUS. Adeps.
The Ox. Tallow.
CI. Mammalia. Ord. Ruminantia.
The properties of this animal are well understood. Its fat is
equally useful with that of mutton for all those medicinal prepa-
rations into which the latter enters.
OVIS ARIES. Adeps. {Ed.) Ovis Sevum. {Land.) Sevum
ov ilium. (Dub.)
The sheep. Mutton-suet.
CI. Mammalia. Ord. Ruminantia*
A.— Adeps, &c. 137
Mutton is a highly nutritious and wholesome food. Ewe-
milk is thick and heavy, and contains much cream and little
whey. The cheese made from it has a bitter biting taste, espe-
cially when old, and is supposed to be stomachic. Mutton-suet
is officinal, for the purpose of giving consistency to ointments and
plasters.
SUS SCROF/l. Adeps. (Ed.) Sus. Adeps. (Loud.) Adeps
suillus. (Dub).
The hog. The fat. Hogs -lard.
CI. Mammalia. — Ord. Pachy derma.
In hogs-lard we havv* a very pure animal fat, almost entirely
free from any peculiar impregnation, and of a soft consistence.
Hence it is a very useful emollient for relaxing those parts to
which it is applied; and it is also a very convenient article for
giving the proper consistence to ointments, plasters, and lini-
ments. Indeed this and the sevum ovillum, or mutton-suet, are
the only fats now retained by the London and Edinburgh col-
leges, although formerly more than twenty different fats entered
some lists of materia medica. Each particular fat was then sup-
posed to possess peculiar properties; but for this there is proba-
bly no foundation: even those retained are now less employed
than before, as it has been imagined that a proper consistence of
any kind may be more rertainly obtained by determined propor-
tions of wax and oil; but as these articles are more expensive,
hogs-lard and mutton-suet are often substituted for them by the
apothecaries.
Officinal Preparations.
Adipis bovis, suilloe, sevique ovilli, praeparatio. vide Unguenta.
Unguenta, &c. varia. - . - Idem.
Sebacic acid, or acid of fat, has no place in the Materia Medi-
ca. Its presence however must doubtless influence the properties
of many of the preparations into which fat or tallow enter; it may
therefore be proper to introduce its chemical properties.
Sebacic acid has no smell, and a slightly acid taste. It is crys-
tallizable, melts like fat, and is not volatile. It is so soluble in
hot water as to become solid on refrigeration. It is also very so-
luble in alcohol. It precipitates the nitrates of lead, silver, and
mercury, and the acetates of lead and mercury. It does not pre-
cipitate the waters of lime, baryta, or strontia.
Sebates are soluble salts.
S
138 Materia Medic a,
JERUGO. — vide, Sub-Acetis Cupri.
iESCULUS HIPPOCASTANUM. (Ed.) Semen, Cortex.
Horse chesnut, the fruit and bark.
Willd. g.7\7. sp. 1. Heptandria Monogynia. — Nat. Ord. Tri-
hilatce.
This is a very common and well-known tree. The fruit, which
contains much amylaceous matter,1* has been used as food for
domestic animals, and even for men, in times of scarcity. But its
introduction into the Edinburgh Pharmacopeia, was probably
owing to its having been used and recommended as a sternutatory
in some cases of ophthalmia and headach. With this view it was
drawn up the nostrils in the form of an infusion or decoction.
The bark has been proposed as a substitute for the very ex-
pensive and often adulterated Peruvian bark. Many successful
experiments of its effects, when given internally in intermittent
and typhus fever, and also when applied externally in gangrene,
sufficiently warrant future trials. Although chemical analysis is
not yet sufficiently advanced to enable us to determine from it
the medical uses of any substance, it appears that the active con-
stituent of this bark is tannin, which is incompatible with the
presence of Cinchonin, the predominant, and probably the active
constituent, of Peruvian bark. In powder it may be given to the
extent of a scruple and a half, or a drachm for a dose. Buchholz
prefers a solution of a drachm of the extract in an ounce of cinna-
mon water, of which sixty drops are to be given every three
hours.
ALCOHOL.^c/. alcohol.
Syn. Spiritus Vinosus Rectificatus, L.
Spiritus Vini Rectificatus, D.
Rectified Spirit of Wine.
This is the spirit distilled from wine or other fermented li-
quors, perfectly free from any unpleasant smell, and of which the
* Professor Woodhouse obtained from a single nut of the JEsculus Pavia,
weighing half an ounce and twenty -five grains, forty-four grains of fine starch.
Half a pound of this starch, preserved its colour unimpaired two years. The
Doctor thought it superior to the finest Polish starch. The water of the first
washing, used to receive the grated nuts, was found to hold a poisonous mat-
ter in solution. See Med. Repos. vol. 3. p. 211.
A.— Alcohol, &c. 139
specific gravity is to that of water as 835 to 1000, such as may
be easily procured. (Ed.} The London college order a spirit of
the same specific gravity, and add, that it contains 95 parts of
pure alcohol, and 5 of water. The Dublin college order it of the
specific gravity 840.
Alcohol forms the true characteristic of vinous liquors, and
arises from the decomposition of sugar, being always in propor-
tion to its quantity. It is found in greatest quantity in the wines
of warm countries, and in wines prepared from thoroughly
ripened fruit. In the south of France, some wines yield a third
of brandy. It is the proportion of alcohol which renders wines
more or less generous, and prevents them from becoming sour*
The richer a wine is in alcohol, the less malic acid it contains,
and, therefore, the best wines give the best brandy, because they
are free from the disagreeable taste which the malic acid imparts
to them. Old wines give better brandy than new wines, but less
of it.
Alcohol is procured from wine by distillation; in conducting
which, the following rules are to be observed:
1. To heat the whole mass of fluid at once, and equally.
2. To remove all obstacles to the ascent of the vapour.
3. To condense the vapour as quickly as possible.
The distillation is continued until the liquor which comes over
is not inflammable.
Beaume mentions a very remarkable fact concerning the pre-
paration of alcohol. He distilled two pounds of alcohol, sp. gr.
832, in the water bath, and filled the refrigeratory with ice, and
he obtained two pounds four ounces of an alcohol having only
sp. gr. 862. This he ascribes to water condensed from the air in
the worm by the coldness of the ice, and he assures us from ex-
perience, that to get an alcohol of 827, it is absolutely necessary
that the refrigeratory be filled with water of 145° F.
Distillers judge of the strength of their spirits by the size and
durability of the bubbles it forms, when poured from one vessel
into another, or in agitating it in a vessel partly filled. Another
proof is, by the combustion of gunpowder: some of which is put
in a spoon; it is then covered with the spirit to be tried, which
is set on fire; if it kindle the gunpowder, it is supposed to be
strong, and vice versa. But a small quantity of spirits will always
kindle gunpowder, and a large quantity never. Another proof is,
by the carbonate of potass, which attracts the water, and dissolves
in it, while the alcohol swims above. But all these are uncertain;
and dependence can only be put in the proof by hydrometers, or
some such contrivance, for ascertaining the weight of a given
quantity at a given temperature.
In this country, alcohol is procured from an infusion of malt,
140 Materia Medica.
and before its rectification is termed Whisky. In the East Indies,
arrack is distilled from rice; in the West Indies, rum from the
sugar-cane; and in France and Spain, brandy from wine. Of all
these, the French brandy is the finest spirit; for the others are
more or less impregnated with essential oils, of which it is almost
impossible to free them entirely. When any ardent spirit is redis-
tilled to procure alcohol, the water-bath is commonly used, which
gives a more equal and temperate heat, and improves the pro-
duct. Gren says, that the addition of four pounds of well burnt
charcoal, and three or four ounces of sulphuric acid, previous to
this rectification, destroys entirely the peculiar taste of malt spi-
rit; and that a second rectification with one pound of charcoal,
and two ounces of sulphuric acid, affords an alcohol of very great
purity. But the affinity of alcohol for water is so very strong, that
it cannot be obtained entirely free from it bv simple distillation.
We must, therefore, abstract the water by means of some sub-
stance which has a stronger affinity for it than alcohol has. Car-
bonate of potass was formerly employed; but muriate of lime is
preferable, because its affinity for water is not only very great,
but by being soluble in alcohol, it comes in contact with every
particle of the fluid. For this purpose, one part of muriate of lime,
rendered perfectly dry by having been exposed to a red heat, and
powdered after it becomes cold, is put into the still. Over this
three parts of highly rectified spirits are to be poured, and the
mixture well agitated. By distillation with a very gentle heat,
about two-thirds of the spirit will be obtained in the state of per-
fectly pure alcohol.
The chemical properties of alcohol are as follow.
Alcohol is a transparent colourless liquid, of an agreeable pene-
trating smell, and pungent burning taste: specific gravity 0.8. It
remains fluid in the greatest natural or artificial cold. It boils at
176°, and in vacuum at 56°. Alcohol unites with water in every
proportion. During the combination, caloric is evolved, and the
specific gravity of the compound is greater than the mean of those
of the components. Alcohol dissolves about 60 of sulphur, when
they are presented to each other in the state of vapour. It also
dissolves a little phosphorus. These solutions are decomposed
by water. It dissolves the boracic and carbonic acids, ammonia,
soda, and potass, and is the means employed to obtain the two
last in a state of purity. Its action on the salts is various. It dis*
solves the volatile oils, resins, soaps, 'balsams, camphor, sugar,
tannin, extractive, and in part the gummy resins. Alcohol is very
inflammable, and when kindled it burns entirely away with a blue
flame without smoke. The products of its combustion are car-
bonic acid and water. It is also decomposed by being transmitted
in the state of vapour through a red-hot porcelain tube; by being
heated with the fixed alkalies; and by the action of the sulphuric,
A.— Alcohol, &c. 141
nitric, oxy-muriatic and acetic acids. From Lavoisier's experi-
ment on the combustion of alcohol, it was found by calculation
to consist of 51.72 oxygen, 29.88 charcoal, and 18.40 hydrogen;
but by correcting the calculation according to Morveau's expe-
riments, proving the composition of charcoal, from the same ex-
periment alcohol would seem to consist of 65.05 oxygen, 18.22
carbon, and 16.73 hydrogen.
Medical Uses. — On the living body alcohol acts as a most vio-
lent stimulus. It coagulates all the albuminous and gelatinous
fluids, and corrugates all the solids. Applied externally, it
strengthens the vessels, and thus may restrain passive hsemorr-
hagies. It instantly contracts the extremities of the nerves it
touches, and deprives them of sense and motion; by this means
easing them of pain, but at the same time destroying their use.
Hence employing spiritous liquors in fomentations, notwithstand-
ing the specious titles of vivifying, heating, restoring mobility,
resolving, dissipating, and the like, usually attributed to them,
may sometimes be attended with unhappy consequences. These
liquors received undiluted into the stomach, produce the same
effects, contracting all the solid parts which they touch, and de-
stroying, at least for a time, their use and office: if the quantity
be considerable, a palsy or apoplexy follows, which ends in death.
Taken in small quantitv, and duly diluted, they act as a cordial
and tonic: if farther continued, the senses are disordered, volun-
tary motion destroyed, and at length the same inconveniences
brought on as before. Vinous spirits, therefore, in small doses,
and properly diluted, may be applied to useful purposes in the
cure of diseases; whilst in larger ones they produce the most
deleterious effects.
Officinal Preparations.
Alcohol, L. D.
./Ether sulphuricus, E. L. D.
jEther sulphuricus cum alcohole, E. L. D.
Oleum vini, L.
Spiritus aetheris nitrosi, E. L. D.
It also enters into the preparations of all tinctures and distilled
spirits. It is used undiluted in
Tinctura Assafcetidae, E. L. D.
Balsami Peruviani, L.
Benzoes composita, L. E.
Camphors, E. L. D.
Guaiaci, E. £> vide, Tinctures,
Moschi, D.
Myrrhse, D.
Saponis, E.
Toluiferse balsami, E, L. D.,
142 Materia Medica.
Spiritus Lavandulae, E. L. D. 7 •» c^« •* j *°n *-
P Rorismarini, E. L. j vtde> SPirttUS destlllatu
ALCOHOL. L. D.
Alcohol.
Take of
Rectified spirit of wine, five pounds;
Pearl-ashes, dried over the fire, and still warm, one pound;
Caustic vegetable alkali, in powder, one ounce.
Mix the spirit and the caustic alkali; add the pearl-ashes, previ-
ously reduced to powder, and digest the mixture for three
days, frequently agitating it; then pour off the spirit, and dis-
til over three pounds with a moderate heat. (D.)
Specific gravity 820. Dub.
Specific gravity 815. Lond.
The theory of these processes has been already explained, and
also the superiority of muriate of lime over carbonate of potass
for separating the last portions of water from alcohol. The potass
is used by the London and Dublin colleges in such small quan-
tity that it can have little effect; when added in considerable
quantity, it acts upon the alcohol itself, and decomposes it, con-
verting it into an ethereal liquor. The Edinburgh college gives
no directions for the preparation of a perfectly pure alcohol, as it
is never used in pharmacy; but it is perhaps to be regretted, that
they have given the title of alcohol to a liquid which is not the
alcohol of chemists.
iETHER SULPHURICUS. Ed.
Sulphuric Ether.
Syn. iETHER Vitriolicus, L. D.
Vitriolic Ether.
Take of
Sulphuric acid,
Alcohol, each thirty-two ounces.
Pour the alcohol into a glass retort fit for sustaining a sudden
heat, and add to it the acid in an uninterrupted stream. Mix
them by degrees, shaking them moderately and frequently;
this done, instantly distil from sand previously heated for the
purpose, into a receiver kept cool with water or snow. But the
heat is to be so managed, that the liquor shall boil as soon as
A.— Alcohol.— iEther, &c. ' 143
possible, and continue to boil till sixteen ounces are drawn off;
then let the retort be removed from the sand.
To the distilled liquor add two drachms of potass; then distil
from a very high retort, with a very gentle heat, into a cool
receiver, until ten ounces have been drawn off.
If sixteen ounces of alcohol be poured upon the acid remaining
in the retort after the first distillation, and the distillation be
repeated, more ether will be obtained; and this may be repeated
several times. (E.)
Ether is a transparent colourless fluid, of a very fragrant
odour, and hot pungent taste: specific gravity 0.758. It freezes
and crystallizes at — 46°. It boils at 98°, and in vacuum at — 20°.
It is very soluble in air, and during its evaporation it produces
an intense degree of cold. It is soluble in ten parts of water, and
in alcohol in every proportion. It dissolves a small portion of
phosphorus, and the solution is decomposed by alcohol. It ab-
sorbs nitrous gas, combines with ammonia, and dissolves the vo-
latile oils, resins, and caoutchouc. Ether is extremely inflamma-
ble, and burns with a white flame. Its vapour explodes when
kindled in contact with oxygen gas. It is decomposed by sul-
phuric acid, oxy-muriatic acid gas, and by being transmitted
through a red-hot porcelain tube. Its constituents are oxygen,
carbon, and hydrogen, the proportions not ascertained.
.ETHER SULPHURICUS cum ALCOHOLE. Ed.
Sulphuric Ether with Alcohol,
Syn. Spiritus jEtheris Vitriolici. L.
Spirit of Vitriolic Ether. Dulcified Spirit of Vitriol.
Liquor -Ethereus Vitriolicus. D.
Vitriolic Ethereal Liquor.
Take of
Sulphuric ether, one part;
Alcohol, two parts.
Mix them. (E.)
Officinal Preparations.
Tinctura aloes aetherea. E. - - vide, Tincturae setherea?.
jEther sulphuricus cum alcohole aromaticus. E. Idem.
144 Materia Medica,
OLEUM VINI. L.
Oil of Wine.
Take of
Alcohol,
Vitriolic acid, of each one pint.
Mix them by degrees, and distil; taking care that no black froth
pass into the receiver. Separate the oily part of the distilled
liquor from the volatile vitriolic acid. To the oily part add as
much water of pure kali as is sufficient to correct the sulphu-
reous smell; then distil off the little ether with a gentle heat.
The oil of wine will remain in the retort, swimming on the
watery liquor; from which it is to be separated. (L.)
SPIRITUS tETHERIS vitriolici compositus. l.
Compound Spirit of Vitriolic Ether.
Syn. Liquor jEthereus Oleosus; olim, Liojjor Hoffmann*
Anodynus. D.
Oily Ethereal Liquor , formerly Anodyne Liquor of Hoffman.
Take of
Spirit of vitriolic ether, two pounds;
Oil of wine, three drachms.
Mix them. (L.)
The products arising from the decomposition of alcohol by
the action of the acids are extremely curious and interesting. The
theory of their formation was not understood until lately, when
it was very ingeniously attempted by Fourcroy and Vauquelin,
who endeavour to shew that the acid remains unchanged, and that
the alcohol is converted into ether, water, and charcoal.
The most convenient way of mixing the ingredients is to put
the alcohol into a tubulated retort, and, with a long-tubed funnel
reaching down to the bottom of the retort, to pour in the acid.
By cautious agitation the two fluids unite, and heat is produced,
which may be taken advantage of in the distillation, if we have
a sand bath previously heated to the same degree, to set the re-
tort into immediately after the mixture is completed; nor is there
any occasion for a tubulated receiver, if we immerse the ordi-
nary receiver, which ought to be large, in water, or bury it in
broken ice.
The distillation should be performed with an equal and very
gentle heat. The juncture of the retort and recipient is to be
A. — Alcohol. — SpTitus iEtheris, &c. 145
luted with a paste made of linseed meal, and further secured by
a piece of wet bladder.
Immediately on mixing the acid with the alcohol, there is a
considerable increase of temperature, and a slight disengagement
of alcohol, somewhat altered, and having an aromatic odour. On
placing the retort in the sand bath, a portion of pure alcohol first
comes over; and when the mixture in the retort boils, the ether
rises, and is condensed in thin, broad, straight, streaks, having the
appearance of oil. Until the liquor which passes over into the re-
ceiver amounts to about half, or somewhat more than half, of
the alcohol operated on, it consists almost entirely of alcohol and
ether, and there has been no production of any permanently elas-
tic fluid; but now the product of ether ceases; the sulphuric acid
is decomposed; and suphureous vapours begin to arise, which
condense in irregular streaks, or in drops: we must therefore
either put a stop to the process, or change the receiver. In the
latter case the products are, sulphureous acid, acetic acid, water,
and oil of wine, as it was called, accompanied towards the end
by a peculiar species of carburetted hydrogen gas, called by the
Dutch chemists defiant gas; because, when mixed with oxyge-
nized muriatic acid, it forms oil. At last the matter in the retort,
which has now become thick and black, swells up, and prevents
us from carrving the process further.
If we stop the process before the sulphureous vapours arise,
the whole acid, diluted with a proportion of water, and mixed
with charcoal, remains in the retort; but if we allow the process
to go on, there is a continual decomposition of the acid, which is
therefore diminished in quantity. In either case, according to
Proust, the sulphuric acid may be obtained from the black resi-
duum in the retort, by diluting it with twice its weight of water,
filtering it through linen, and evaporating it till it acquire the
specific gravity 1.84, then adding about one five-hundredth part
of nitrate of potass, and continuing the evaporation until the acid
become perfectly colourless, and acquire the specific gravity of
1.86. The residuum, however, may be more advantageously
preserved, as the Edinburgh college direct, for preparing more
ether, by repeating the process with fresh quantities of alcohol.
Proust indeed denies that this residuum is capable of converting
more alcohol into ether; but that excellent chemist has somehow
fallen into error, for it is a fact that was known in the time of
that no less excellent chemist Dr. Lewis, and inserted in his first
edition of the Edinburgh Dispensatory, published in 1753, and
not a recent discovery of Citizen Cadet, as Fourcroy would lead
us to believe. If farther confirmation be wanted, we shall instance
Gottling, who says, that from three or four pounds of this resi-
duum, he has prepared 60 or 70 pounds of the spirit of vitriolic
<nher, and more than twelve pounds of vitriolic dther, without
T
146 Materia ATedica.
rectifying the residuum, or allowing the sulphureous vapour to
evaporate. The ether may be separated from the alcohol and sul-
phureous acid, with which it is always mixed, by re-distilling it
with a very gentle heat, after mixing it with potass, or rather lime,
which combines with the acid; or with black oxide of manganese,
which converts the sulphureous into sulphuric acid, and thus de-
prives it of its volatility.
Medical use. — As a medicine taken internally, ether is an excel-
lent antispasmodic, cordial, and stimulant. In catarrhal and asth»
matic complaints, its vapour is inhaled with advantage, by holding
in the mouth a piece of sugar on which ether has been dropt. It is
given as a cordial in nausea, and in febrile diseases of the typhoid
type; as an antispasmodic, in hysteria, and in other spasmodic
and painful diseases; and as a stimulus in soporose and apoplectic
affections. Regular practitioners seldom give so much as half an
ounce, much more frequently only a few drops, for a dose; but
empirics have sometimes ventured upon much larger quantities,
and with incredible benefit. When applied externally, it is capa-
ble of producing two very opposite effects according to its ma-
nagement; for, if it be prevented from evaporating, by covering
the place to which it is applied closely with the hand, it proves a
powerful stimulant and rubefacient, and excites a sensation of
burning heat. In this way it is frequently used for removing
pains in the head or teeth. On the contrary, if it be dropt on any
part of the body, exposed freely to the contact of the air, its rapid
evaporation produces an intense degree of cold; and as this is at-
tended with a proportional diminution of bulk in the part to
which it is applied, in this way it has frequently facilitated the
reduction of strangulated hernia.
The mixture of ether with alcohol, whether prepared directly
by mixing them as the Edinburgh college direct, or in the im-
pure state in which it comes over in the first part of the process
for distilling ether, the spirit of vitriolic ether of the London, and
the vitriolic etherial liquor of the Dublin, colleges, possesses simi-
lar virtues with ether, but in an inferior degree.
iETHER NITROSUS. Dub.
Nitrous Ether.
Take of
Nitrate of kali, dried, and in coarse powder, a pound and a
half; <
Sulphuric acid, one pound;
Rectified spirit of wine, nineteen ounces, by measure.
A. — Alcohol. — iEther Nitrosus. 147
Put the nitrate of kali into a tubulated retort, placed in a bath
of cold water, and pour upon it gradually, and in different
portions, the sulphuric acid and spirit, previously mixed, and
allowed to cool after having been mixed. Without any exter-
nal heat, or only a very slight degree of it, (such as the addi-
tion of tepid water to the bath), an etherial liquor will begin
to arise, without applying fire under it. In a short time, the
heat will spontaneously increase in the retort, and a remarka-
ble ebullition will take place, which are to be moderated,
by cooling the bath with cold water. The receiver ought also
to be cooled with water or snow, and furnished with a proper
apparatus for transmitting the very elastic vapour (arising from
the mixture, with very great force, if the heat should acciden-
tally become too high) through a pound of rectified spirit of
wine, placed in a cooled phial.
Put the etherial liquor, which has distilled spontaneously, into
a phial with aground glass stopper, and gradually add, (clo-
sing the phial after each addition), as much very dry sub-
carbonate of kali, in powder, as shall be sufficient to saturate
the superabundant acid, according to the test of lithmus.
This is done commonlv on the addition of about a drachm of
the salt; and, in a short time, the nitrous ether will swim on
the surface, and is to be separated by means of a funnel.
If it be required very pure, re-distil the ether from a water bath,
at about 140°, to one half.
Its specific gravity is 900.
When alcohol and nitrous acid are mixed in the proportion
necessary for the formation of nitrous ether, the utmost precau-
tions must be taken to diminish their action on each other. Dr.
Black contrived a very ingenious method of doing this, by ren-
dering their mixture extremely slow. On two ounces of the strong
nitrous acid put into a phial, pour slowly and gradually about an
equal quantity of water, which, by being made to trickle down
the sides of the phial, will float on the surface of the acid without
mixing with it; then add, in the same cautious manner, three
ounces of alcohol, which, in its turn, will float on the surface of
the water. By these means the three fluids are kept separate on
account of their different specific gravities, and a stratum of wa-
ter is interposed between the acid and spirit. The phial contain-
ing the spirit must be stopped with a conical stopper, and this
stopper confined to its place by a weak spring. The phial is now
to be set in a cool place, and the acid will gradually ascend, and
the spirit descend, through the water, this last acting as a bound-
ary to restrain their action on each other. When this commen-
ces, bubbles of gas rise through the flui ds, and the acid gets a blue
148 Materia Medica.
colour, which it again loses in the course of a few days, at which
time a yellow nitrous ether begins to swim on the surface. As
soon as the formation of air-bubbles ceases, it is time to remove
the ether formed; for if allowed to remain, its quantity decrea-
ses. By this method a quantity of nitrous ether is formed, without
the danger of producing elastic vapours or explosion. The resi-
duum of this process is still capable of forming a spirit of nitrous
ether, with an additional quantity of alcohol.
By adding the acid to the alcohol in very small quantities, and
at considerable intervals, Mr. Dehne procured from two pounds
of alcohol,, and one pound ten ounces and three drachms of nitrous
acid, one pound, nine ounces, and three drachms of ether: the re-
siduum weighed one pound twelve ounces. There was therefore
a loss of five ounces. Mr. Dehne put the alcohol into a tubulated
retort, to which a receiver was luted, and poured the acid through
the tubulature, and the ether passed over into the receiver, with-
out the application of any heat. The action of the acid on the
alcohol did not begin until six ounces and a half were added,
and was exhausted, when, on adding more acid,it fell to the bottom
in the form of green drops. By using Mr. Dehne's precaution, of
adding the acid gradually, Dr. D. prepared nitrous ether in a
Woulfe's apparatus, with perfect ease and safety, although Four-
croy represents it as a most dangerous operation. The acid was
introduced gradually through a funnel luted into the tubulature
of the retort. The tube of the funnel was very long, and its ex-
tremity was immersed in the alcohol in the retort. This simple
contrivance not only enabled Dr. D. to add the acid as he pleas-
ed, but also acted as a tube of safety.
There is still another method of forming nitrous ether, which
is indeed said to be preferable to those mentioned. It was first
practised by M. Voigt. Four pounds of dried nitrate of potass are
to be introduced into a tubulated retort, connected with a Woulfe's
apparatus; and a mixture of four pounds of sulphuric acid, and
three pounds four ounces of alcohol, is to be poured upon it.
Without the application of any external heat, nitrous ether pas-
ses over into the receiver, and the residuum furnishes, on more
alcohol being added to it, spirit of nitrous ether.
When alcohol is converted into ether by the action of nitrous
acid, the change produced on it is nearly the same with that pro-
duced by sulphuric acid. In the latter case, it is effected by the
affinities which form water, and charcoal is precipitated. In the
former it is effected by the affinities which form carbonic acid,
and no water is formed.
Nitrous ether seems to differ from sulphuric ether only in be-?
ing combined with nitric oxide; at least it is highly inflammable,
pungent, volatile, and is not soluble in water, while it gives a deep
A. — Alcohol. — Spiritus Athens Nitrosi. 149
olive colour to green salts of iron, and has a considerable specific
gravity. When simply washed with water, it was found to be
0.912, when the acid which it evidently contained was removed
by saturating it with potass it became 0.896, and when rectified,
by re-distilling it, it became 0.866, but recovered decidedly acid
properties, probably from the nitric oxide being acidified by the
air of the apparatus.
SPIRITUS jETHERIS NITROSI. Ed. L
Spirit of Nitrous Ether.
Syn. Liquor iETHEREUs Nitrosus. D.
Nitrous Etherial Liquor. Dulcified Spirit of Nitre.
Take of
Alcohol, three pounds;
Nitrous acid, one pound.
Pour the alcohol into a capacious phial, placed in a vessel full oi
cold water, and add the acid by degrees, constantly agitating
them. Let the phial be slightly covered, and placed for seven
days in a cool place; then distil the liquor with the heat of
boiling water into a receiver kept cool with water or snow, till
no more spirit comes over. (E. D.)
The action of alcohol and nitrous acid upon each other is
much influenced by their proportions. If we use a small propor-
tion of alcohol, or pour alcohol into nitrous acid, there immedi-
ately takes place a great increase of temperature, and a violent
effervescence and disengagement of red fumes. On the contrary,
by placing the phials containing the alcohol and acid, in cold or
rather, iced water, they may be mixed, without danger, in the
proportions directed by the colleges, and if the acid be added in
small quantities at a time, and each portion thoroughly mixed
with the alcohol by agitation, no action takes place until heat be
applied. It is therefore unnecessary to keep the mixture for seven
days, but we may immediately proceed to the distillation, which
must be performed with a very slow and well regulated fire; for
the vapour is very apt to expand with so much violence as to
burst the vessels; and the heat must at no time exceed 212°,
otherwise a portion of undecomposed acid will pass over and
spoil the product. By performing this operation carefully in a
Woulfe's apparatus, Dr. Duncan obtained from three ounces of
alcohol, specific gravity 841, and one ounce of nitrous acid, two
ounces four drachms of spirit of nitrous ether, specific gravity 887.
150 Materia Medica.
Eight ounces of alcohol, contained in the first phial, gained one
drachm and a half, and specific gravity 873, and eight ounces of
water in the second, 18 grains: the residuum weighed seven
drachms and a half. There was therefore a loss of two drachms
forty-two grains of permanently elastic fluid. The first portion
that was examined seemed to be the air of the apparatus: in the
next the candle burnt with an enlarged and brightened flame; was
it nitrous oxide? and all that passed afterwards was a mixture of
carbonic acid and the etherized nitrous gas first described by the
Dutch chemists. When recently prepared this gas is inflamma-
ble, and does not form red fumes, when atmospheric air is admit-
ted to it: but when attempted to be kept over water, the water
becomes acidulous, the gas is diminished in bulk about two-
thirds, has lost its inflammability, and is now converted into red
vapour on the admission of atmospheric air. It therefore appears
to consist of nitric oxide gas, holding ether in chemical solution.
Dr. D. has formed a similar gas, by admitting a few drops of
ether to nitric oxide gas over mercury. The Edinburgh and
Dublin colleges direct the distillation to be continued till no
more spirit comes over. But how is this to be ascertained? After
having drawn off about two thirds, according to the directions of
the London College, Dr. D. again applied heat to the retort, and
on examining the air, which began to come over into the pneu-
matic apparatus, by carelessly approaching a lighted candle to the
extremity of the tube, it kindled and burst the whole with a vio-
lent explosion.
The spirit of nitrous ether thus obtained is a colourless fluid,
of a fragrant odour, lighter than water, extremely volatile and in-
flammable, possessing properties in general analogous to the spi-
rit of sulphuric ether, but of considerably greater specific gravi-
ty, striking a deep olive with a solution of green sulphate of iron,
and often, if not always, acid. By age and exposure to the air, it
is gradually decomposed, and gives rise to the re-production of
more nitrous acid. When this change has taken place, it may be
rectified by saturating the acid with lime-water, and re-distilling
the ethereal fluid. In all probability it is a mixture of nitrous
ether and alcohol; for by diminishing the quantity of alcohol em-
ployed, we obtain a fluid having a similar relation to the spi-
rit of nitrous ether, that sulphuric ether has to the spirit of sul-
phuric ether; and by mixing nitrous ether with alcohol, we ob-
tain a fluid exactly resembling spirit of nitrous ether.
Medical use. — Spirit of nitrous ether'has been long deservedly
held in great esteem. It quenches thirst, promotes the natural
secretions, expels flatulencies, and moderately strengthens the
stomach. It may be given in doses of from twenty drops to a
drachm, in any convenient vehicle. Mixed with a small quantity
A.— Alcohol Dilutum. 151
of spritus ammonise aromaticus, it proves a mild, yet efficacious,
diaphoretic, and often remarkably diuretic; especially in some
febrile cases, where such a salutary evacuation is wanted. A
small proportion of this spirit added to malt spirits, gives them a
flavour approaching to that of French brandy.
ALCOHOL DILUTUM. Ed.
Dilated Alcohol.
Syn. Spiritus Vinosus Tenuior, L.
Spiritus Vini Tenuior, D.
Spirit of Wine. Proof Spirit.
D. Brandeiuyn. P. Aguardente.
DA. Brandevin. POL. Gorzalka, Wodka.
F. Eau devie, Brandevin. R. Wino.
G. Brannteivein. S. Aguardiente.
I. Acqua vita, Accjuarzente. SW. Brannvin.
Alcohol mixed with an equal quantity of water, being some-
what weaker than proof spirit; its specific gravity is to that of
distilled water, as 935 to 1000. {Ed.) The London and Dub-
lin colleges order it of the specific gravity of 930, which accord-
ing to the former contains 55 parts of pure alcohol, and 45 of
water.
Although it be desirable that diluted alcohol should always be
prepared, by mixing rectified spirit with water, instead of em-
ploying an impure spirit of the requisite strength, it is hardly to
be expected that apothecaries will either be at the trouble or ex-
pense. The diluted alcohol of the Edinburgh college is somewhat
weaker than that of the other two colleges; but besides that it is
more convenient for their mode of preparing it, this will be at-
tended with no disadvantage, as it is still sufficiently strong for
any purpose to which it may be applied.
Officinal Preparations.
Alcohol ammoniatum, E. L. D. vide Ammonia.
And all the tinctures and distilled spirits, except those made
with alcohol. It is also used somewhat extravagantly in the pre-
paration of various extracts.
152
Materia Medica.
Table of the Specific Gravities according to Gilpin, and degrees
according to Baume's hydrometer of various mixtures of alco-
hol and water.
Water.
Alcohol.
Specific Gravities.
Degrees
60°
55°
55°
0
100
.825
.82736
38
10
100
.84568
.84802
34+
20
100
.86208
.86441
30—
30
100
.87569
.87796
29+
40
100
.88720
.88945
27+
50
100
.89707
.89933
25 +
60
100
.90549
.90768
23—
70
100
.91287
.91502
22
80
100
.91933
.92145
21—
90
100
.92499
.92707
20—
100
100
.93002
.93208
19—
100
90
.93493
.93696
19+
100
80
.94018
.94213
18
100
70
.94579
.94767
17—
100
60
.95181
.95357
16—
100
50
.95804
.95966
16+
100
40
.96437
.96575
15+
100
30
.97074
.97181
14+
100
20
.97771
.97847
13 +
100
10
.98654
.98702
12+
100
0
.1
ALKALI,
10
The word Alkali is of Arabian origin, and was introduced
into chemistry after it had been applied to a plant which still re-
tains the name of kali.
Alkalies are a class of bodies which are commonly defined to
be incombustible, soluble in water, caustic, and capable of neu-
tralizing the acids, of combining with alcohol, oils, ©arths, sul-
phur, and phosphorus, and of changing vegetable blues and reds
to green: But as many of these properties are possessed in a
greater or less degree by substances usually classed with the
earths, and as there is a continual gradation from the insipidity,
insolubility, and infusibility of silica, to the causticity, solubility,
fusibility, and comparative volatility of potass, they are some-
times classed together under the general name of Salifiable Bases.
A.— Allium. i53
The alkalies at present known are three in number, viz.
1. Potass. - vide Potassa,
2. Soda. - - Soda,
3. Ammonia. - - Ammonia,
The two first mentioned alkalies are called Jixed, because they
require a red heat to volatilize them; the last is called volatile
alkali, because it readily assumes a gaseous form, and conse-
quently is dissipated by a very moderate degree of heat.*
ALLIUM.
Willd, g, 626* — Hexandria Monogynia. — Nat. Ord. Liliacecr.
ALLIUM SATIVUM. Sp, 14. Radix, Ed,
Garlic, The Root,
Syn. Allium, L. D-
The garlic is a perennial bulbous-rooted plant, which grows
wild in Sicily, and is cultivated in our gardens. The root consists
of five or six small bulbs, called cloves, inclosed in one common
membranous coat, but easily separable from each other. All the
parts of this plant, but more especially the roots, have a strong,
offensive, very penetrating and diffusible, smell, and an acrimo-
nious, almost caustic, taste. The root is full of a limpid juice, of
which it furnishes almost a fourth part of its weight by expres-
sion. The root loses about half its weight by drying, but scarcely
any of its smell or taste. By decoction its virtues are entirely de-
stroyed; and by distillation it furnishes a small quantity of a yel-
lowish essential oil, heavier than water, which possesses the
sensible qualities of the garlic in an eminent degree. Its peculiar
virtues are also in some degree extracted by alcohol and acetous
acid.
By Neumann's analysis, it lost two-thirds of its weight by ex-
siccation. By decoction from 960 parts, water extracted 380, and
the residuum yielded 27 to alcohol, and was reduced to 40. Al-
cohol applied first, extracted 123, the residuum yielded 162 to
water, and was reduced to 40. In both cases the alcoholic ex-
tract was unctuous and tenacious, and precipitated metallic solu-
tions. But the active ingredient was a thick ropy essential oil,
according to Hagen heavier than water, not amounting to more
• These substances having been lately discovered to be metallic, the probable
changes which they will prJduce in chemistry, have prevented any present al-
teration of their situation, fcc.
u
154 Materia Medica.
than 1.3 of the whole, in which alone resided the smell, the tastef
and all that distinguishes the garlic.
Medical Use, — Applied externally, it acts successively as a
stimulant, rubefacient, and blister. Internally, from its very pow-
erful and diffusible stimulus, it is often useful in diseases of lan-
guid circulation and interrupted secretion. Hence, in cold leuco-
phlegmatic habits, it proves a powerful expectorant, diuretic, and,
if the patient be kept warm, sudorific: it has also been by some
supposed to be emmenagogue. For the same reason, in cases in
which a phlogistic diathesis, or other irritability prevails, large
doses of it may be very hurtful.
It is sometimes used by the lower classes as a condiment, and
also enters as an ingredient into many of the epicure's most fa-
vourite sauces. Taken in moderation, it promotes digestion; but
in excess, it is apt to produce headach, flatulence, thirst, febrile
heat, and inflammatory diseases, and sometimes occasions a dis-
charge of blood from the hemorrhoidal vessels.
In fevers of the typhoid type, and even in the plague itself, its
virtues have been much celebrated.
Garlic is with some also a favourite remedy in the cure of in-
termittents; and it has been said to have sometimes succeeded in
obstinate quartans, after the Peruvian bark had failed. In ca-
tarrhal disorders of the breast; asthma, both pituitous and spas-
modic; flatulent colics; hysterical and other diseases, proceeding
from laxity of the solids, it has generally good effects: it has
likewise been found serviceable in some hydropic cases. Syden-
ham relates, that he has known the dropsy cured by the use of
garlic alone; he recommends it chiefly as a warm strengthening
medicine in the beginning of the disease.
It is much recommended by some as an anthelmintic, and has
been frequently applied with success externally as a stimulant to
indolent tumours, in cases of deafness proceeding from atony or
rheumatism, and in retention of urine, arising from debility of
the bladder.
Garlic may be either exhibited in substance, and in this way
several cloves may be taken at a time without inconvenience, or
the cloves cut into slices may be swallowed without chewing.
This is the common mode of exhibiting it for the cure of inter-
mittents.
The expressed juice, when given internally, must be rendered
as palatable as possible by the addition of sugar and lemon juice.
In deafness, cotton moistened with the" juice is introduced within
4he ear, and the application renewed five or six times in one day.
Infusions in spirit, wine, vinegar, and water, although contain-
ing the whole of its virtues, are so acrimonious, as to be unfit for
general use; and yet an infusion of an ounce of bruised garlic ii*
A— Allium. 15*5
a. pound of milk, was the mode in which Rosenstein exhibited it
to children afflicted with worms.
But by far the most commodious form for administering gar-
lic, is that of a pill or bolus conjoined with some powder, corres-
ponding with the intention of giving the garlic. In dropsy, calo-
mel forms a most useful addition. It may also sometimes be ex-
hibited with advantage in the form of a clyster.
Garlic made into an ointment with oils, &c. and applied ex-
ternally, is said to resolve and discuss indolent tumours, and has
been by some greatly esteemed in cutaneous diseases. It has
likewise sometimes been employed as a repellent. When applied
under the form of a poultice to the pubes, it has sometimes proved
effectual in producing a discharge of urine, when retention has
arisen from a want of due action in the bladder. Sydenham as-
sures us, that among all the substances which occasion a deriva-
tion or revulsion from the head, none operates more powerfully
than garlic applied to the soles of the feet: he was led to make
use of it in the confluent sinall-pox: about the eighth day, after
the face began to swell, the root cut in pieces, and tied in a linen
cloth, was applied to the soles, and renewed once a-day till all
danger was over.
Officinal Preparation.
Syrupus allii, D. vide Sijrupi.
ALLIUM CEPA. Sp. 43. Cepa. Radix. D.
Onion. The Root.
D.
Uyen, Jljuin.
P.
Cebola.
DA
' Rodlog.
POL
Cebula.
T.
Ognions.
R.
Luk.
G.
Zwiebcl.
S.
Cebolla.
I.
Cijiolla.
sw.
Rbdlbk.
This is also a perennial bulbous-rooted plant. The root is a
simple bulb, formed of concentric circles. It possesses in general
the same properties as the garlic, but in a much weaker degree.
Neumann extracted from 480 parts of the dry root, by means of
alcohol, 360, and then by water 30; by water applied first 395,
and then by alcohol, 30: the first residuum weighed 56, and the
second 64. By distillation the whole flavour of the onions passed
over, but no oil could be obtained.
Medical Uses. — Onions are considered rather as articles of
food than of medicine: they are supposed to yield little or no
nourishment, and when eaten liberally produce flatulencies, occa-
sion thirst, headachs, and turbulent dreams; in cold phlegmatic
356 Materia Medica.
habits, where viscid mucus abounds, they doubtless have their
use; as by their stimulating quality they tend to excite appetite,
and promote the secretions: by some they are strongly recom-
mended in suppressions of urine and in dropsies. The chief me-
dicinal use of onions in the present practice is in external appli-
cations, as a cataplasm for suppurating tumours, &c.
ALOE PERFOLIATA. Gummi-Resina. Ed.
a. Aloe Barbadensis, L. D. A. Hepatica, E.
b. Aloe Socotorina, E. L. D.
Barbadoes, or hepatic, and socotorine aloes. A gum-resin.*
Willd. g. 659. sp. 3. Hexandria Monogynia. Nat. ord. Liliacecc.
D. Aloe. P. Aloes, Azevre.
DA. Aloe. POL. Aloes, Aloa.
F. Aloe. R. Sabir.
G. Aloe. S. Aloe, Acibar.
I. Aloe. SW. Aloe.
Aloes is a perennial plant, of which many varieties grow in
the south of Europe, Asia, Africa, and America. But Thunberg
says, that the finest aloes are prepared from the Aloe spicata, the
second species of Willdenow, which grows at the Cape of Good
Hope.
During four years that the Cape of Good Hope was in posses-
sion of the British, more than 300,000 pounds, the produce of
that settlement, were imported into England; and as this quan-
tity was infinitely greater than could be required for the purposes
of medicine, it is not improbable, that, as Mr. Barrow states, its
principal consumption was by the London porter brewers.
1. Socotorine Aloes.
This article is brought, wrapt in skins, from the island of So-
cotora in the Indian ocean. This sort is the purest of the three in
use: it is of a glossy surface, clear, and in some degree pellucid:
in the lump, of a yellowish red colour, with a purple cast; when
reduced to powder, of a bright golden colour. It is hard and
friable in the winter, somewhat pliable in summer, and grows
soft between the fingers. Its taste is bitter, accompanied with an
aromatic flavour, but insufficient to prevent its being disagree*
* Gum-resins are secondary compounds, and probably vary much in their
nature. They seem to be compounds of resin with extractive and essential oil,
and perhaps other immediate principles, not yet ascertained.
A.— Aloe. 157
able; the smell is not very unpleasant, and somewhat resemble*
that of myrrh.
It is prepared by pulling off the leaves in July, from which the
juice is expressed, and afterwards boiled and skimmed. It is then
preserved in skins, and dried in August in the sun. According to
others, the leaves are cut off close to the stem and hung up. The
juice which drops from them without any expression, is after-
wards dried in the sun.
2. Barbadoes, or Hepatic Aloes.
Hepatic aloes is not so clear and bright as the foregoing sort;
it is also of a darker colour, more compact texture, and for the
most part drier. Its smell is much stronger and more disagree-
able; the taste intensely bitter and nauseous, with little or nothing
of the fine aromatic flavour of the socotorine. The best hepatic
aloes comes from Barbadoes in large gourd shells, and an inferior
sort of it, which is generally soft and clammy, is brought over in
casks. In Barbadoes the plant is pulled up by the roots, and care-
fully cleaned from the earth and other impurities. It is then
sliced and cut in pieces into small hand-baskets and nets. These
nets or baskets are put into large iron boilers or cauldrons with
water, and boiled for ten minutes, when they are taken out, and
fresh parcels supplied till the liquor is strong and black.
At this period the liquor is thrown through a strainer into a
deep vat, narrow at bottom, where it is left to cool and to depo-
site its feculent parts. Next day the clear liquor is drawn off by
a cock, and again committed to a large iron vessel. At first it is
boiled briskly, but towards the end the evaporation is slow, and
requires constant stirring to prevent burning. When it becomes
of the consistence of honey, it is poured into gourds or calabashes
for sale, and hardens by age.
3. Fetid, Caballine, or Horse, Aloes.
This sort is easily distinguished from both the foregoing, by
its strong rank smell; although, in other respects, it agrees prettv
much with the hepatic, and is not unfrequently sold in its stead.
Sometimes the caballine aloes is prepared so pure and bright, as
not to be distinguishable by the eye even from the socotorine;
but its offensive smell, of which it cannot be divested, readily
betrays it. It has not now a place in the list of almost any mo-
dem pharmacopoeia, and is employed chiefly by farriers.
From sixteen ounces of aloes Neumann extracted near fifteen
by means of alcohol. From the residuum water took up one
drachm, about an ounce of impurities being left; on inverting the
process and applying water first, he obtained but thirteen ounces
158 Materia Medica.
and a half of watery extract, and from the residuum, alcohol dis-
solved an ounce and a half. According to this analysis 1000 parts
of aloes contains about 78 soluble in water only, or analagous to
gum, 980 soluble in alcohol only, or resinous, and 895 soluble
both in alcohol and in water, or extractive. * The constituent
principles of aloes therefore appear to be resin and extractive.
Dr. Lewis also remarks that decoctions of aloes let fall a preci-
pitate, as they cool, probably from extractive being more soluble
in boiling than in cold water. He also proved the hepatic aloes
to contain more resin and less extractive than the socotorine, and
this less than the caballine. The resins of all the sorts, purified
by alcohol, have little smell; that obtained from the socotorine
has scarce any perceptible taste; that of the hepatic, a slight bit-
terish relish; and the resin of the caballine, a little more of the
aloetic flavour. The extractive obtained separately from any of
the kinds, is less disagreeable than the crude aloes: the extractive
of socotorine aloes has very little smell, and is in taste not un-
pleasant; that of the hepatic has a somewhat stronger smell, but
is rather more agreeable in taste than the extract of the socoto-
rine: the extractive of the caballine retains a considerable share
of the peculiar rank smell of this sort of aloes, but its taste is not
much more unpleasant than that of the extractive obtained from
the two other sorts.
Medical use. Aloes is a bitter stimulating purgative. Its purga-
tive effect seems chiefly to depend on its proving a stimulus to
the rectum. In doses of from 5 to 15 grains it empties the large
intestines, without making the stools thin; and likewise warms
the habit, quickens the circulation, and promotes the uterine and
hemorrhoidal fluxes. If given in so large a dose as to purge ef-
fectually, it often occasions an irritation about the anus, and some-
times a discharge of blood.
Aloes is much less frequently used to operate as a purgative
than merely to obviate costiveness; and indeed its purgative ef-
fect is not increased in proportion to the quantity that is taken.
It is frequently employed in cases of suppression of the menses,
or of the hemorrhoidal discharge; but it is particularly service-
able in habitual costiveness, to persons of a phlegmatic tempera-
ment and sedentary life, and where the stomach is oppressed and
weakened. Perhaps the chief objection to aloes, in cases of habi-
tual costiveness, is the tendency which it has to induce and aug-
* Extractive is soluble in water, especially when hot, and in alcohol; it is also
soluble in the weak acids, but is insoluble in ether. It attracts moisture from
the atmosphere; and when dissolved in water, it absorbs oxygen, and becomes
insoluble in water; it is also altered and precipitated by oxy-muriatic acid; it
has a strong affinity for alumina, and decomposes several metallic salts. It is
found in almost all plants, but can scarcely be procured separate, so that its
characters are not well ascertained.
A.— Aloe. 159
ment hemorrhoidal affections; and with those liable to such
complaints, it can seldom be employed. In dry bilious habits aloes
proves injurious, immoderately heating the body, and inflaming
the bowels.
Some are of opinion, that the purgative virtue of aloes resides
entirely in its resin; but experience has shewn, that the pure resin
has little or no purgative quality, and that the extractive part se-
parated from the resinous, acts more powerfully than the crude
aloes. If the aloes indeed be made to undergo long coction in the
preparation of the gummy extract, its cathartic power will be
considerably lessened, not from the separation of the resin, but
from an alteration made in the extractive itself by the action of
the heat and air. The strongest vegetable cathartics become mild
by a like treatment.
Socotorine aioes, as already observed, contains more extrac-
tive than the hepatic; and hence it is likewise found to purge
more; and with greater irritation. The first sort, therefore, is
most proper where a stimulus is required, as for promoting or
exciting the menstrual flux; whilst the latter is better calculated
to act as a common purge.
Aloes are administered either,
a. Simply, or
b. In composition:
1. With purgatives. Soap, scammony, colocynth, rhu-
barb.
2. With aromatics. Canella.
3. With bitters. Gentian.
With emmenagogues. Iron, myrrh.
They are exhibited in the form of
a. Powder; too nauseous for general use.
b. Pill; the most convenient form.
c. Solution in wine or diluted alcohol.
Officinal Preparations.
Extractum aloes, D. vide Extracta.
colocynthidis compositum, L. - Idem.
Pilule aloetice, E. L. D. - - - Pilulx.
aloe's composite, L. Idem.
cum ass a foetida, E. - - Idem.
colocynthide, E. - - - Idem.
myrrha, E. L. - - - Idem.
rhei composite, E. - - - Idem.
Pulvis aloes cum canella, L. - - Pulveres.
aloeticus cum guaiaco, L. - - Idem.
ferro, L, - - Idem.
160 Materia Medica.
Pulvis scammonii compositus cum aloe, L. Puheres,
Tinctura aloes setherea, E. Tinctures cethereer
socotorinse, E. L. D. - - Tincturce.
cum myrrha, E. L. - - Idem.
benzoes composita, L. E. - Idem*
rhei cum aloe, E. - .- - - Idem,
Vinum aloes socotorinae, E. L. D. - Vina medicate
ALTrLEA OFFICINALIS. Ed. Radix, Folia.
Marsh- Mallow. The Root and Leaves.
Syn. Althaea, L.
Willd. g. 1289. sp. 1. — Monadelphia Polyandria. — Nat. ord.
Columnacece.
The marsh-mallow is a perennial plant, which is found com-
monly on the banks of rivers, and in salt marshes.
The whole plant, but especially the root, abounds with muci-
lage. The roots are about the thickness of a finger, long and
fibrous. They are peeled and dried, and then are perfectly white.
From 960 parts of the dry root, Neumann extracted by water
650, and afterwards with alcohol 41; by alcohol applied first 360,
and afterwards by water 348. Lewis extracted by alcohol only
120, and he observed that the alcoholic extract was sweeter than
the watery, and had the smell peculiar to the root. The substance
soluble in this instance, both in alcohol and water, is probably
saccharine. From 960 parts of the dry leaves, Neumann extracted
by water 340, and then by alcohol 213; by alcohol first 280, and
then by water 218. The residuum of the root was only one-fourth;
of the leaves one-half, of the whole. The root is therefore the
most mucilaginous. The decoction of the root reddens turnsol,
and gelatinizes silicized potass.
Medical use. — It is used as an emollient and demulcent, in
diseases attended with irritation and pain, as in various pulmo-
nary complaints, and in affections of the alimentary canal and
urinary organs; and it is applied externally in emollient fomen-
tations, gargles, and clysters.
Officina l Pr e pa ra rioNS .
Decoctum althseae officinalis, E. vide Decocta.
Syrupus alth** officinalis, E. L. Syrupi.
A. — Ammonia. — Murias Ammonise. 161
AMMONIA.— AMMONIA.
Syn. Alkali Volatile.
Volatile Alkali.
Ammonia is commonly classed with the alkalies, from the ana-
logy of its taste, causticity, combinations with the acids, and ef-
fects upon vegetable blues; but it differs in many particulars,
being extremely volatile, and a compound substance, which is
readily decomposed, and formed in many chemical operations.
It is now known to be composed of nitrogen and hydrogen, and
consequently is no longer to be regarded as a simple substance;
which is also probably the case with the other alkalies.
Ammonia (hydroguret of nitrogen) consists of 80 parts of ni-
trogen, with 20 of hydrogen. It exists in its purest form combined
with caloric as a gas, which is perfectly transparent and colour-
less, elastic and compressible; specific gravity 0.000732; it has an
urinous and acrid odour, irritating the nostrils and eyes, and an
acrid and caustic taste; it does not dissolve animal substances; is
irrespirable; extinguishes flame: colours vegetable blues green;
and is decomposed by being transmitted through a red-hot tube,
and by the electric spark, into its constituent gases; and by oxy-
gen and atmospheric air at a red heat, and by oxy-muriatic acid,
it is converted into water and nitrogen gas. It is absorbed with-
out change by porous bodies; it dissolves sulphur and phospho-
rus; and combines readily with water in all its states. Water is
saturated by one third of its weight of gaseous ammonia, and is
thereby increased in bulk, and acquires the specific gravity of
0.905. Ammonia combines with all the acids, forming neutral
salts. It is formed during the putrefactive fermentation.
Officinal Preparaiions.
Carbonas Ammonise.
Murias Ammonia?.
MURIAS AMMONLE. Ed.
Muriate of Ammonia. Sal Ammoniac.
Syn. Sal Ammoniacus, L. D.
D.
Sal Ammoniak.
P.
Sal Ammoniaco.
DA.
Salmiak.
POL,
, Salmiak) Salmoniak
F.
Set Ammoniac.
R.
JVaschatur.
G.
Salmiak.
S.
Sal Ammoniaca
I.
Sale Ammoniaco.
sw.
Salmiak.
X
162 Materia Medica.
Muriate 6f ammonia is found native, especially in the neigh*
bourhood of volcanos. It was first prepared in Egypt from the
soot of camel-dung by sublimation. But the greatest part of that
now used is manufactured in Europe, either by combining direct-
ly ammonia with muriatic acid, or by decomposing the sulphate
of ammonia by means of muriate of soda, or the muriates of lime
and magnesia by means of ammonia.
In commerce, muriate of ammonia occurs either sublimed in
firm, round, elastic, concavo-convex cakes, or crystallized in
conical masses. The latter commonly contain other salts, espe-
cially muriate of lime, which renders them deliquescent; and
therefore the sublimed muriate of ammonia is to be preferred
for the purposes of medicine.
Muriate of ammonia has an acrid, pungent, urinous taste. It
is soluble in about three times its weight of water at 60°, and in
an equal weight at 212°. During its solution, it produces 32 de-
grees of cold. It is also soluble in about 4.5 parts of alcohol. It
is permanent in the ordinary state of the atmosphere. By a gen-
tle heat, it may be deprived of its water of crystallization, and
reduced to the form of a white powder. At a higher temperature
it sublimes unchanged. Its* crystals are either six-sided pyra-
mids, aggregated in a plumose form, or still more commonly
four-sided pyramids. It consists of 42.75 muriatic acid, 25.00
ammonia, and 32.25 water. It is decomposed by the sulphuric
and nitric acids, by baryta, potass, soda, strontia, and lime; by
several secondary salts, containing these acids or bases; and by
those metalline salts whose bases form with muriatic acid an in-
soluble compound.
Medical use. — Muriate of ammonia is now seldom used inter-
nally. It was formerly supposed to be a powerful aperient and
attenuant of viscid humours.
Externally applied, it is a valuable remedy. It may act in two
ways,
1. By the cold produced during its solution.
It is from this cause that fomentations of muriate of ammonia
probably prove beneficial in mania, apoplexy from plethora, and
in violent headachs. When used with this intention, the solution
should be applied as soon as it is made.
2. By the stimulus of the salt.
On this principle we may explain its action as a discutient in
indolent tumours of all kinds, contusions, gangrene, psora, oph-
thalmia, cynanche, and in stimulating clysters. In some crises, as
in chilblains and other indolent inflammations, both modes of ac-
tion may be serviceable. When first applied,, the coldness of the
solution will diminish the sense of heat and uneasiness of the
part, and the subsequent stimulus will excite a more healthy ac-
tion in the vessels.
A. — Ammonia. — Aqua Ammonia. 163
Officinal Preparations.
Aqua ammonias, E^ L. D.
Alcohol ammoniatum. E. L. D.
Carbonas ammoniae, E. L. D.
Aqua carbonatis ammonia?, E. L. D.
Liquor cupri ammoniati, L. D. vide Cuprum.
Murias ammonias et ferri, E. L. - Ferrum.
Calx hydrargyri alba, L. - Hydrargyrum.
Spiritus ammoniae fcetidus, L. - Spiritus destillati.
AQUA AMMONL£; olim, Aojja Ammonia Caustics. Ld.
Water of Ammonia, formerly Water of Caustic Ammonia.
Syn. Liquor Alkali Vola.tii.is Caustic i, D.
Liquor of Caustic Volatile Alkali.
Aojja Ammonia Pur.£, L.
Water of Pure Ammonia.
Take of
Muriate of ammonia, sixteen ounces;
Quicklime, fresh burnt, two pounds;
Water, six pounds.
Having put one pound of the water into an iron or stoneware ves-
sel, add the quicklime, previously beat, and cover the vessel
for twenty-four hours, until the lime fall into a fine powder,
which is to be put into a retort. Add to it the muriate of am-
monia, dissolved in five pounds of water; and, shutting th
mouth of the retort, mix them together by agitation Lastly,
distil into a refrigerated receiver with a very gentle heat, (so that
the operator's hand can easily bear the heat of the retort), till
twenty ounces of liquor are drawn off. In this distillation the
vessels are to be so luted as to confine effectually the vapours,
which are very penetrating. (E.)
Specific gravity 936. (D.)
In this process the muriate of ammonia is decomposed by the
lime, in consequence of its having a stronger affinity for muriatic
acid than ammonia has. It is absolutely necessary that the lime
employed be very recently burnt, as the presence of carbonic
acid would render the ammonia partially carbonated. This acci-
dent is also prevented by the great excess of lime used, which
having a greater affinity for carbonic acid than ammonia has, re-
tains any small quantity of it which may be accidentally present.
164 Materia Medica.
The lime is also to be slaked before it be added to the muriate of
ammonia, because the heat produced during its slaking would
cause a violent disengagement of ammonia gas, and be attended
with great loss. The addition of the water is essential to the ex-
istence of the ammonia in a liquid form, for in itself it is a perma-
nently elastic fluid. A much greater quantity of water, however,
is used than what is sufficient to absorb all the ammonia: the rest
is intended to render the decomposition slower and more ma-
nageable, and to keep the muriate of lime which remains in the
retort in solution; for otherwise it would concrete into a solid
mass, adhering strongly to the bottom of the retort, very difficult
to be washed out, and often endangering its breaking. As soon
as the slaked lime and muriate of ammonia are mixed, they
should be put into the retort, the water poured upon them, and
the distillation begun: for, by the London process, of adding the
water boiling hot to the mixture, and letting it stand to cool be-
fore it is introduced into the retort, there is a very great loss of
ammonia, and for no reason whatever. A very small degree of
heat is sufficient for the distillation, and the whole ammonia rises
with the first portion of water, or even before it. It is therefore
necessary that the vessels be very closely luted to each other, to
prevent it from escaping. But this renders the utmost care neces-
sary in the distillation; for too sudden, or too great a heat, from
the rapid disengagement of gass, or even the expansion of the air
contained in the vessels, would endanger their bursting.
Many variations of greater or less importance have been made
in conducting this process, but the most considerable is that of
Gottling. The peculiarity of his method consists in disengaging
the ammonia in the form of gas, and combining it afterwards
with water by the assistance of pressure. He uses an earthenware
cucurbit, with a tubulated capital. To the spout of the capital,
one end of a bent glass tube is accurately luted, while the other
end is introduced to the bottom of a tall narrow-mouthed glass
phial, containing one part of water. Into the cucurbit he puts
two parts of finely powdered lime, and one of muriate of ammo-
nia, and then applies the heat. He does not shut the tubulature
until the smell of ammonia becomes manifest, and opens it again
as soon as the process is finished, and before the vessels begin to
cool, as otherwise the solution of ammonia would flow back into
the cucurbit, and spoil the whole operation. But this manage-
ment of the tubulature requires very great attention, and, there-
fore we think that this apparatus would be very much improved,
by substituting for the tubulature one of Welter's tubes of safety,
by which even the possibility of such an accident is precluded.
We have already mentioned the properties of ammonia in its
gaseous form, and its relation to the alkalies. When combined
with water, it imparts to it many of these properties, and lessens
A. — Ammonia. — Alcohol Ammoniatum. 165
its specific gravity. Liquid ammonia, or water saturated with am-
monia, contains 74.63 water, and 25.37 ammonia; and its specific
gravity is 0.9054. When it has the specific gravity mentioned by %
the Dublin college 0.936, it contains about 83 of water, and 17
of ammonia. It assumes its elastic form, and separates from the
water, when heated to about 130°, and quickly attracts carbonic
acid from the atmosphere. It decomposes many of the earthy and
all the metalline salts, and is capable of dissolving or combining
with many of the metalline oxides, and even of oxidizing some
of the metals. When pure, water of ammonia does not effervesce
with any of the acids, or form a precipitate with alcohol.
Medical use. — Water of ammonia is very rarely given internal-
ly, although it may be used in doses of ten to twenty drops,
largely diluted, as a powerful stimulant in asphyxia, and similar
diseases. Externally it is applied to the skin as a rubefacient, and
in the form of gas to the nostrils, and to the eyes as a stimulant;
in cases of torpor, paralysis, rheumatism, syncope, hysteria, and
chronic ophthalmia.
Officinal Preparations.
Hydro-sulphuretum ammoniae, E.
Oleum ammoniatum, E. L. - vide Olea prceparata.
Linimentum camphor* compositum, L. D. Tinct.ammoniatcc.
Spiritus ammoniae succinatus, L. - Idem,
ALCOHOL AMMONIATUM, sive Spiritus
Ammonite. Ed.
Ammoniated Alcohol, or Spirit of Ammonia.
Syn. Spiritus Ammonite, L.
Spirit of Ammonia.
Spiritus Alkali Volatilis, D.
Spirit of Volatile Alkali.
Take of
Proof spirit, three pints;
Sal ammoniac, four ounces;
Potashes, six ounces.
Mix, and distil with a slow fire, one pint and an half. (L. D.)
When muriate of ammonia is decomposed by carbonate of
potass, the product is a mixture of carbonate of ammonia with a
variable quantity of ammonia; for the carbonate of potass is never
saturated with carbonic acid. Again, as diluted alcohol is em-
166
Materia Medica.
ployed in this process, and one half only is drawn off, it is evident
that there is either a want of economy, or the whole alcohol comes
over before any of the water. But if the latter supposition be
true, there is also a want of economy, for the alcohol will dissolve
only the ammonia, and leave the whole carbonate undissolved.
The fact is, that when we perform the process as directed by the
colkges, a very large proportion of carbonate of ammonia sub-
limes, which remains undissolved in the distilled liquor; but as
this liquor (after the particles of carbonate of ammonia, which
were diffused through it, have separated in the form of very Te-
gular crystals, adhering to the sides of the vessel) effervesces
with acids, the distilled liquor cannot be pure alcohol, but must
contain a proportion of water capable of dissolving some carbo-
nate of ammonia. From both considerations, it appears that the
process directed, if not un-chemical, is at least un-economical.
It is remarkable that the Edinburgh college, for what reason
we know not, should have adopted, in the two last editions of
their Pharmacopoeia, this process from the London college, and
relinquish one which appears unexceptionable, as it is not attend-
ed with the smallest loss, either of alcohol or ammonia, and
gives both a more active and a more uniform preparation. A
strong proof of its superiority is, that the apothecaries still con-
tinue to follow it, although it has been rejected by the college. It
is therefore inserted here without any alteration, except of the
nomenclature.
Take of
Quicklime, sixteen ounces;
Muriate of ammonia, eight ounces;
Alcohol, thirty-two ounces.
Having bruised and mixed the quicklime and muriate of ammo-
nia, put them into a glass retort; then add the alcohol, and dis-
til to dryness, in the manner directed for the water of am-
monia.
The Berlin college direct this preparation to be made by sim-
ply mixing two parts of alcohol with one of water of ammonia.
Officinal Preparations.
Alcohol ammoniatum fcetidum, E. D. vide Spiritus destillatu
aromaticum, E. L. D. Tinct.ammoniatce.
Tinctura castorei composita, E. - Idem.
guaiaci ammoniata, E. - Idem,
opii ammoniata, E. - Idem.
A. — Ammonia — Carbonas Ammoniae. 167
GARBONASAMMONIiE;olim, Ammonia Pr^parata.£^.
Carbonate of Ammonia, formerly Prepared Ammonia.
Syn. Ammonia Pr,eparata, L.
Prepared Ammonia.
Alkali Volatile Mite, D.
Mild Volatile Alkali.
Take of
Muriate of ammonia, one pound;
Pure carbonate of lime (chalk;, dried two pounds.
Having triturated them separately, mix them thoroughly, and
sublime from a retort into a refrigerated receiver. (E.)
In this process the two substances employed undergo a mutual
decomposition, the muriatic acid combining with the lime, and
the carbonic acid with the ammonia. The proportion of carbonate
of lime directed, is perhaps more than sufficient to decompose
the muriate of ammonia; but it is the safe side to err on; for it is
only sometimes inconvenient, from obliging us to make use of
larger vessels, whereas, if any portion of the muriate of ammonia
were to remain undecomposed, it would sublime along with the
carbonate, and render the product impure. Gottling uses three
parts of chalk to two of muriate of ammonia, but he dries his
chalk before he weighs it. The chalk is always to be very carefully
dried before it is used in this preparation, as the presence of
moisture injures the product. The ingredients are to be tho-
roughly mixed by trituration, before they are introduced into
the retort, that no part of the muriate of ammonia may escape
decomposition; and we are even sometimes directed to cover the
surface of the mixture, after they are in the retort, with powder-
ed chalk. This however is unnecessary. Carbonate of lime does
not act on muriate of ammonia till a considerable heat be applied.
Gottling says, that the sublimation must be conducted in the
open fire, and therefore uses an earthernware cucurbit, with a
tubulated capital. When a glass retort is employed, it should
havt a very wide neck; and the best form for the receiver is cy-
lindrical, as it enables us to get out the carbonate of ammonia
condensed in it without breaking it. The residuum which re-
mains in the retort, furnishes muriate of lime by lixiviation and
evaporation.
Sometimes carbonate of potass is employed for the preparation
of carbonate of ammonia. The theory of the process is the same,
and the decomposition is effected at a lower temperature. But as
potass is very rarely saturated with carbonic acid, part of the am-
monia is evolved in the form of gass, which, if not permitted te
168 Materia Medica.
escape, will burst the vessels. To prevent this loss, therefore, Mr,
Gottling uses a cucurbit and capital, furnished with a bent tube,
which is to be immersed in a phial of water: by which contri-
vance, while the carbonate of ammonia is condensed in the ca-
pital, the gaseous ammonia is absorbed by the water. When pot-
ass is used, the residuum contains muriate of potass.
Carbonate of ammonia is obtained in the form of a white crys-
tallized mass, of a fibrous texture, having the smell and taste of
ammonia, but weaker. It is soluble in twice its weight of cold
water, and is more soluble as the temperament of the water in-
creases; but when it approaches to a boiling heat, the carbonate
is volatilized. It is insoluble in alcohol. It is permanent in the
air, and is not decomposed, but is easily vaporized by heat. It is
said to vary very much in its composition, and to contain more
ammonia, and less acid and water, in proportion to the high tem-
perature employed in preparing it, the quantity of alkali varying
from 50 to 20 per cent. It is decomposed by most of the acids,
and all the alkaline, and some of the earthy, bases; by the earthy
sulphates, except those of baryta and strontia; by the earthy
muriates, and fluates; by the nitrates of baryta, and super-phos-
phate of lime.
Medical use. — Carbonate of ammonia exactly resembles am-
monia in its action on the living body; but is weaker, and is
principally used as smelling salts in syncope and hysteria.
Officinal Preparations.
Aqua acetitis ammoniae, E. L. D.
Ammoniaretum cupri, E. L. D. vide Cuprum.
AQUA CARBONATIS AMMONLE; olim, Aojja Ammo-:
nijE. Ed.
Water of Carbonate of Ammonia, formerly Water of Ammonia.
Syn. Liquor Alkali Volatilis, D.
Liquor of Volatile Alkali,
Aojja Ammonite, L.
Water of Ammonia.
Take of
Muriate of ammonia;
Carbonate of potass, each sixteen ounces;
Water, two pounds.
A. — Ammonia. — Liquor, &c. C. Cervi. 169
Having mixed the salts, and put them in a glass retort, pour the
water upon them, and distil to dryness in a sand bath, gradu-
ally increasing the heat. (E. D.)
Specific gravity 1110. (D.)
The product of this process is a solution of carbonate of am-
monia, while the residuum in the retort is muriate of potass. In
this instance, the decomposition of the muriate of ammonia can-
not be effected by carbonate of lime, because the addition of the
water prevents the application of the necessary heat, whereas
carbonate of potass acts at a moderate temperature. The direc-
tions of the London college differ from those of the other colleges
in two particulars; in the quantity of water added, and in the
proportion of carbonate of potass employed. The addition of
more water than what is to be drawn off by distillation, must in-
crease the size of the apparatus employed, an inconvenience al-
ways to be avoided, if possible. With regard to the quantity of
carbonate of potass employed, from calculation and the authority
of the best writers, for we do not speak from experience, we are
disposed to think the London college in the right:* for the 42.75
parts of muriatic acid in 100 parts of muriate of ammonia, require
84.12 of potass to saturate them; but in 100 parts of carbonate of
potass there are not above 50 parts of potass, so that carbonate
ol potass is not capable of decomposing an equal weight of mu-
riate of ammonia. But it is more economical, as well as more
scientific, to prepare this solution bv dissolving a certain propor-
tion of carbonate of ammonia in water.
Officinal Preparations.
Oxidum hydrargyri cinereum, E. D. vide, Hydrargyrum.
Linimentum camphoratum, D. - Tinctures ammoniatce.
Pilulae ammoniareti cupri, E. Pilulce.
LIQUOR VOLATILIS, SAL, et OLEUM CORNU
CERVI. Loud.
The Volatile Liquor, Salt, and Oil, of Harts-horn.
Syn. LiquoR Volatilis Cornu Cervini, D.
VolaiHe Liquor of Harts -horn.
Take of
Harts-horn ten pounds.
Distil with a fire gradually increased. A volatile liquor, salt, and
oil, will ascend.
* With the same proportion of muriate of ammonia, the London college ein-
tplov one pound and a half of potashes and four pints of water.
V
170 Materia Medica.
The oil and salt being separated, distil the liquor three times.
To the salt add an equal weight of prepared chalk, and sublime
thrice, or till it become white.
The same volatile liquor, salt, and oil, maybe obtained from anv
animal substance except fat. (L.)
Specific gravity of the liquor 1110. (D.)
The wholesale dealers have very large pots for this distillation,
with earthen heads, almost like those of the common still; for
receivers, they use a couple of oil jars, the mouths of which are
luted together; the pipe that comes from the head, is connected
by means of an adopter with the lower jar, which is also fur-
nished with a cock for drawing off the fluids condensed in it.
The upper jar is entire, and in it is condensed the solid carbonate
of ammonia. When a large quantity of the subject is to be dis-
tilled, it is customary to continue the operation for several days
successively; only unluting the head occasionally, to put in fresh
materials. When the upper jar becomes entirely filled with car-
bonate of ammonia, it cracks. It is then to be removed, the salt
to be taken out of it, and a fresh one substituted in its place.
When only a small quantity of spirit or salt is wanted, a com-
mon iron pot, such as is usually fixed in sand furnaces, may be
employed; an iron head being fitted to it. The receiver ought to
be large, and a glass, or rather tin, adopter inserted between it
and the pipe of the head.
The distilling vessel being charged with pieces of horn; a mo-
derate fire is applied, which is slowly increased, and raised at
length almost to the utmost degree. At first water arises, which
gradually acquires colour and smell, from the admixture of em-
pyreumatic oil and ammoniacai salts; carbonate of ammonia next
arises, which at first dissolves, as it comes over, in the water,
and thus forms what is called the spirit. When the water is sa-
turated, the remainder of the salt concretes in a solid form to the
sides of the recipient. If it be required to have the whole of the
salt solid, and undissolved, the water should be removed as soon
as the salt begins to arise, which may be known by the appearance
of white fumes; and that this may be done the more commo-
diously, the receiver should be left unluted, till this first part of
the process be finished. The white vapours which now arise,
sometimes come over with such vehemence as to throw off or
burst the receiver: to prevent this accident, it is convenient to
have a small hole in the luting, which may be occasionally stopped
with a wooden peg, or opened, as the operator shall find proper.
Lastly, the oil arises, which acquires greater colour and consis-
tency as the operation advances. Carbonate of ammonia still
comes over, but it is partly dissolved in the hot oily vapour. At
the same time, there is a considerable disengagement of gas, con-
A. — Ammonia. — Aq. Acet. Ammoniae. 171
sisting of a mixture of carburetted hydrogen, often containing
sulphur and phosphorus, and of carbonic acid.
All the liquid matters being poured out of the receiver, the
salt which remains adhering to its sides, is to be washed out with
a little water, and added to the rest. It is convenient to let the
whole stand for a few hours, that the oil may the better disengage
itself from the liquor, so as to be first separated by a funnel, and
afterwards more perfectly by filtration through wet paper.
None of these products, except perhaps a small quantity of the
water, exist ready formed in the matter subjected to the distilla-
tion, but are produced by a new arrangement of its constituents.
For the production of ammonia, it is absolutely necessary that it
contain nitrogen, or be what is called a quaternary oxyde.(p. 124.)
Although some vegetable, and most animal substances, are of this
kind, yet only the most solid parts of animals, such as bone and
horn, are employed for the production of ammonia; because they
furnish it less mixed with other substances, are easily obtained,
and at little expense, and are very manageable in the distillation.
On the application of heat, as soon as all the water which they
contained is expelled, their elements begin to act on each other,
and to form binary, or at most ternary compounds. Water is
formed of part of the oxygen and hydrogen, ammonia of nitro-
gen and hydrogen, carbonic acid of carbon and oxygen, then oil,
of hydrogen and charcoal, while the superfluous carbon remains
in the retort in the state of charcoal. As the formation of these
substances is simultaneous, or in immediate succession, they a{ .
not obtained separately, but are mixed with each other. The w
ter is saturated with carbonate of ammonia, and impregnated wit
empyreumatic oil, while the carbonate of ammonia is discoloured
with oil; and the oil contains carbonate of ammonia dissolved in
it. They may, however, be separated from each other in a great
measure, in the manner already described. But a small portion of
oil obstinately adheres both to the salts and its solution, which
constitutes the only difference between salt and spirit of harts-
horn, as they are called, and the purer carbonate of ammonia, as
obtained by the decomposition of muriate of ammonia.
AQUA ACETITIS AMMONITE; vulgo,SpiRiTus
MlNDERERI. Ed.
Water of Acetite of Ammonia, commonly called Spirit of Mind^
rerus.
Syn. Aqua Ammonia Acetate, L.
Water of Acetated Ammonia.
Liojjor Alkali Volatilis Acetati, D.
Liquor of Acetated Volatile Alkali.
172 Materia Medica.
Take of
Carbonate of ammonia in powder, any quantity-
Pour upon it as much distilled acetous acid as may be sufficient
to saturate the ammonia exactly. (E.)
By this process we obtain acetate of ammonia, dissolved in the
water of the acetic acid; but as this is apt to vary in quantity, the
solution also varies in strength, and the crystallization of the salt
is attendee} with too much difficulty to be practised for pharma-
ceutical purposes. Its crystals are long, slender, and flatted, of a
pearly white colour, and of a cool sweetish taste, are very deli-
quescent, melt at 170°, and sublime at 250°. It is decomposed by
the acids, alkalies, and several of the earths, and metalline salts;
and when in solution, its acid is decomposed spontaneously, and
by heat.
Different proposals have been made to get a solution of greater
strength and uniformity, than that still retained by the British
colleges, Mr. Lowe saturates four ounces of carbonate of potass
with distilled vinegar, and evaporates the solution to 36 ounces.
He then mixes it with two ounces of muriate of ammonia, and
distils the mixture in a glass retort. Acetate of ammonia comes
over. The last edition of the Prussian Pharmacopoeia prepares it
by saturating three ounces of carbonate of^animonia with a strong
acetic acid, (obtained by distillation from acetate of soda, dis-
solved in two parts of water, and decomposed by sulphuric acid),
and diluting the solution with water, so that it shall weigh twenty-
four ounces. One ounce, therefore, contains the alkali of a drachm
of carbonate of ammonia.
Medical use. — Acetate of ammonia, when assisted by a warm
regimen, proves an excellent and powerful sudorific^ and as it
operates without quickening the circulation or increasing the heat
of the body, it is admissible in febrile and inflammatory diseases,
in which the use of stimulating sudorifics are attended with dan-
ger. Its action may likewise be determined to the kidneys, by
walking about in a cool air. The common dose is half an ounce,
either by itself, or along with other medicines adapted to the same
intention.
HYDRO-SULPHURETUM AMMONITE. Ed.
Hydro-Sulphuret of Ammonia.
Take of
Water of ammonia, four ounces;
Subject it in a chemical apparatus to a stream of the gas, which
arises from
Sulphuret of iron, four ounces,
A.— Ammonia.— Hyd. Sulph. Amm. 173
Muriatic acid, eight ounces, previously diluted with two pounds
and a half of water.
Sulphuret of Iron is conveniently prepared for this purpose,
from
Purified filings of iron, three parts;
Sublimed sulphur, one part.
Mixed and exposed to a moderate degree of heat in a covered
crucible, until they unite into a mass.
Sulphuretted hydrogen is capable of combining with differ-
ent bases in the mariner of an acid. In the present preparation, it
is combined with ammonia. It is obtained by decomposing sul-
phuret of iron with muriatic acid. As soon as the acid, by its su-
perior affinity, separates the iron from the sulphur, the latter im-
mediately re-acts on the water, the oxygen of which forms with
one portion of it sulphuric acid, while the hydrogen dissolves
another portion, and forms sulphuretted hydrogen gas. The com-
bination of this with ammonia is facilitated by reduction of tem-
perature, and by making it pass through a column of the water
of ammonia by means of an apparatus, such as Woulfe's or
Nooth's. Trommsdorff has proposed, that the sulphuretted hy-
drogen gas should be obtained by the decomposition of sulphuret
of potass; but in this way its formation is too rapid to be easily
managed. Gottling says, that the acid should be added gradually,
and that the whole must be constantly agitated. But these pre-
cautions are rendered more unnecessary, by diluting the acid in
the degree directed by the pharmacopoeia. Mr. Cruickshank, who
first suggested the use of hydro-sulphuret of ammonia in medi-
cine, directs the sulphuret of iron to be prepared by heating a bar
of iron to a white heat in a smith's forge, and rubbing it against
the end of a roll of sulphur. The iron at this temperature imme-
diately combines with the sulphur, and forms globules of sul-
phuretted iron, which should be received in a vessel filled with
water. It is, however, more conveniently obtained in the manner
directed by the college. Proust has proved that iron is capable of
combining with two proportions of sulphur. At a high tempera-
ture 100 parts of iron combine with 60 of sulphur, and form a
compound of a dull blackish colour. In this state it is fit for the
production of sulphuretted hydrogen gas. At a lower temperature
the same quantity of iron takes up 90 of sulphur, acquires a
greenish yellow colour, and in every respect resembles native
pyrites. This cannot be decomposed by acids, and is therefore
unfit for the production of gas; but it may be reduced to the
state of iron sulphuretted to the minimum, by exposing it to a
sufficiently high temperature, or by melting it with half its weight
of iron filings. It was probably from not attending to the different
states of sulphuretted iron, that some of the German chemists
174 Materia Medica.
failed in their attempts to procure from it sulphuretted hydrogen
gas, and had recourse to sulphuret of potass. As the proportions
have been mis-stated in an elementary work of great authority,
it may be proper to recapitulate them.
Sulphuretted Iron. Super -sulphuretted Iron.
Iron, 100 62.5 100 52.63
Sulphur, 60 °r 37.5 90 °r 47.37
160 100. 190 100.
Medical use, — Hydro-sulphuret of ammonia, or more correctly,
Sulphuretted hydroguret of ammonia, acts powerfully on the
living sy6tem. It induces vertigo, drowsiness, nausea, and vomit-
ing, and lessens the action of the heart and arteries* According
to the doctrine of the chemical physiologists, it is a powerful dis-
oxygenizing remedy. It has only been used in diabetes by Dr.
Rollo and others, under the name of Hepatized ammonia, in
doses of five or ten drops twice or thrice a day.
LIQUOR SULPHURETI AMMONLE. Dub.
Liquor of Sulphuret of Ammonia.
Take of
Fresh burnt lime,
Muriate of ammonia in powder, each four ounces;
Sublimed sulphur,
Warm water, each two ounces, by weight.
Sprinkle the water upon the lime, placed in an earthern vessel,
and cover it up until the lime falls to powder, which, as soon
as it is cold, is to be mixed by trituration with the sulphur and
muriate of ammonft. Put the mixture into a retort, and distil
with a sudden and sufficiently strong degree of heat. Keep the
liquor thus obtained in a phial, accurately closed with a glass
stopper.
The process of the Dublin college is totally different. The
ammonia and sulphuretted hydrogen are presented to each other
in a nascent state, and, with the undecomposed part of the water,
pass over into the receiver, while, in the retort, the lime remains
combined with sulphuric and muriatic acid.
The hydro-sulphuret of ammonia .was formerly called the
fuming liquor of Boyle. It is of a dark red colour, and is extreme-
ly fetid. It is decomposed by all acids, and almost all metallic so-
lutions. (
A. — Ammoniacum, &c. 175
AMMONIACUM. Gummi Resina. E. L. D.
Ammoniac, A Gum-resin,
Ammoniacum is a concrete, gummy-resinous juice, brought
from the East Indies, usually in large masses, composed of little
lumps or tears, of a milky colour, but soon changing, upon being
exposed to the air, to a yellowish hue. We have no certain ac-
count of the plant which affords this juice; the seeds usually
found among the tears resemble those of the umbelliferous class.
It has been also alleged, and not without some degree of proba-
bility, that it is an exudation from a species of the ferula, another
species of which produces the assa fcetida. The plant producing
it is said to grow in Nubia, Abyssinia, and the interior parts of
Egypt. Such tears as are large, dry, free from little stones, seeds,
or other impurities, should be picked out and preferred for in-
ternal use; the coarser kind is punned by solution, colature, and
careful inspissation; but unless this be artfully managed, the gum
will lose a considerable deal of its more volatile parts. There is
often vended in the shops, under the name of strained gum am-
moniacum, a composition of ingredients much inferior in virtue.
Ammoniacum has a nauseous sweet taste, followed by a bitter
one; and a peculiar smell, somewhat like that of galbanum, but
more grateful: it softens in the mouth, and grows of a white co-
lour upon being chewed. It softens by heat, but is not fusible;
when thrown upon live coals, it burns away in flame; it is in some
degree soluble in water and in vinegar, with which it assumes the
appearance of milk; but the resinous part, amounting to about
one half, subsides on standing.
Neumann extracted from 480 parts, 360 by alcohol, and then
by water 105; by water applied first 410, and then by alcohol 60.
Alcohol distilled from it arose unchanged, but water acquired a
sweetish taste, and the smell of the ammoniac. The solution in
alcohol is transparent; but on the addition of water becomes
milky. It therefore seems to consist principally of a substance
soluble both in water and in alcohol, combined with some vola-
tile matter.
Medical use, — The general action of gum-ammoniac is stimu-
lant. On many occasions, in doses of from ten to thirty grains, it
proves a valuable antispasmodic, deobstruent, or expectorant. In
large doses it purges gently, excites perspiration, and increases
the flow of urine. It is used with advantage to promote expecto-
ration in some pulmonary diseases; in dropsical affections, to
augment the flow of urine, and to support the salivation in small-
pox. It is also an useful deobstruent; and is frequently prescribed
for removing obstructions of the abdominal viscera, and in hys-
176 Materia Medica.
terical disorders occasioned by a deficiency of the menstrual eva-
cuations. In long and obstinate colics, proceeding from viscid
matter lodged in the intestines, this gummy-resin has produced
happy effects, after purges and the common carminatives had
been used in vain. Externally, it is supposed to soften and ripen
hard tumours. A solution of it in vinegar has been recommend-
ed by some for resolving even scirrhous swellings.
It is exhibited internally,
a. In solution, combined with vinegar, vinegar of squills,
assa fcetida, &c.
b. In pills, with bitter extracts, myrrh, assa fcetida.
c. And externally combined with vinegar, turpentine, com-
mon plaster, &c.
Officinal Preparations.
Ammoniacum purificatum, L.
Lac ammoniaci, L. D. - vide Mixture?.
Pilulae scilliticae, E. L. D. - Pilulce.
Emplastrum gummosum, E. - Unguenta.
ammoniaci cum hydrargyro, L. Idem,
AMMONIACUM PURIFICATUM. L.
Purified Gum Ammoniacum*
If gum ammoniac do not seem to be pure, boil it in water till it
become soft; then squeeze it through a canvass bag, by means
of a press. Let it remain at rest till the resinous part subside:
then evaporate the water; and towards the end of the evapora-
tion, mix the resinous part with the gummy.
In the same manner are purified assa fcetida and similar gum re-
sins. You may also purify any gum which melts easy, such as
Galbanum, by putting it in an ox bladder, and holding it in
boiling water till it become so soft that it can be separated from
its impurities by pressing it through a coarse linen cloth.
As one, and perhaps the most active constituent of gummy re-
sins, as they are called, is of a volatile nature, it is evident that it
must be in a great measure dissipated in the process just descri-
bed, and that we cannot expect the same'virtues in these substan-
ces after they are purified, which they possess in their crude state.
This process is therefore contrary to the principles of good phar-
macy; and such specimens of these gummy resins as stand in
need of it to give them an apparent degree of purity, should not
A. — Amomum. — Am. Zingiber. 177
he admitted into the shop of the apothecary. Besides, many of
the impurities which they usually contain, are easily separated in
compounding the preparations or extemporaneous prescriptions
into which they enter.
AMOMUM.
Willd. g. 4. — Monandria Monogynia. — Nat. ord. Scitamine<z<
AMOMUM ZINGIBER. Sp. 1. E.
Radix siccata, et radix condita ex India allata.
Ginger, The root, and the candied root brought from Indifc
Zingiber, L. D.
D. Gembcr. P. Gengibre*
DA. Ingcsaer. POL. Imbier.
F. Gingtmbre. R. Jubir.
G. Ingvxr, Ingher. S. Jenjibre, Jgengibre.
I. ZenzerOj Zenzoverc, Zinzi- SW. Ingesara.
bO) Gengiovo.
Ginger is a perennial plant, indigenous in the East Indies, but
now cultivated in the West- India islands. It is cultivated there
verv much in the same manner as potatoes are here, and is fit for
digging once a year, unless for preserving in syrup, when it
should be dug at the end of three or four months, at which time
it is tender and full of sap.
Ginger is distinguished into two sorts, the black and the white.
The former is rendered fit for preservation by means of boiling
water, the latter by insolation; and as it is necessary to select the
fairest and roundest sorts for exposure to the sun, white ginger
is commonly one third dearer than black.
Black ginger consists of thick and knotty roots, internallv of an
orange or brownish colour, externally of a yellow grey. White
ginger is less thick and knotty, internally of a reddish yellow, and
externally of a whitish-grey or yellow. It is firm and resinous,
and more pungent than the black. Pieces which are worm-eaten,
light, friable, or soft, and very fibrous, are to be rejected.
Candied ginger should be prepared in India from the young and
succulent roots. When genuine, it is almost transparent. That
manufactured in Europe is opaque and fibrous.
Ginger has a fragrant smell, and a hot, biting, aromatic, taste.
Neumann obtained by distillation with water from 7680 parts of
Z
178 Materia Medica.
white ginger, about 60 of an essential oil, having the smell and
distinguishing flavour of the ginger, but none of its pungency*
The watery extract was considerably pungent, and amounted to
2720, after which, alcohol extracted 192 of a very pungent resin.
Alcohol applied first extracted 660 of pungent resin, and water
afterwards 2160 of a mucilaginous extract with little taste and
difficultly exsiccated. The black ginger contained less soluble
matter than the white.
Medical use* — Ginger is a very useful spice in cold flatulent
colics, and in laxity and debility of the intestines: it does not heat
so much as those of the pepper kind, but its effects are more du-
rable It may also be applied externally as a rubefacient.
Officinal Preparations.
Syrupus amomi zingiberis, E. - vide Syrupi.
Tinctura zingiberis, L. - Tincturce.
It is also an ingredient in many of the powders, pills, electua-
ries, &c he.
AMOMUM ZEDOARIA. Sp. 3. Radix. D.
Long Zedoary. The Root.
The Zedoary is perennial, and grows in Ceylon and Malabar*
The roots come to us in pieces, some inches in length, and about
a finger thick. Externally they are wrinkled, and of an ash-grey
colour, but internally are brownish red. The best kind comes
from Ceylon, and should be firm, heavy, of a dark colour within,
and neither worm-eaten nor very fibrous. It has an agreeably
fragrant smell, and a warm, bitterish, aromatic taste.
In distillation with water, it yields an essential oil, heavier than
water, possessing the smell and flavour of the zedoary in an emi-
nent degree; the remaining decoction is almost simply bitter.
Spirit likewise brings over some small share of its flavour: ne-
vertheless the spiritous extract is considerably more grateful than
the zedoary itself. From 7680 parts Neumann got 2720 of watery
extract, and afterwards 140 of almost insipid resin; by apply-
ing alcohol first, 720, and water afterwards, 2400 much bitterer
than the original watery extract.
Officinal Preparation.
Confectio aromatica, L. * * vide Electuaria*
A. — Amomnm Cardamomum. 179
AMOMUM CARDAMOMUM. Sp. 7. D.
REPENS. Sp.lO. Ed.L.
Cardamomum minus. Semma. L. D.
Lesser Cardamom Seeds,
D. ■ Kardamomen. P. Cardamomos.
DA. Cardamomer. POL. Kardamom.
F. Cardamomes. R. Kardamon.
G. Kardamumcn. S. Cardamomos.
I. Cardamomi. SW. Kardemummor.
The London and Edinburgh Colleges, on the authority of
Sonnerat, have supposed these seeds to be the product of the lat-
ter species, while the Dublin College, with Murray, Willdenow,
and all the foreign pharmaceutical writers, ascribe them to the
former. Both species are natives of India.
Cardamom seeds are a very warm, grateful, pungent aromatic,
and frequently employed as such in practice: they are said to have
this advantage, that notwithstanding their pungency, they do not,
like those of the pepper kind, immoderately heat or inflame the
bowels. Both water and rectified spirit extract their virtues by
infusion, and elevate them in distillation; with this difference, that
the tincture and distilled spirit are considerably more grateful
than the infusion and distilled water: the watery infusion appears
turbid and mucilaginous; the tincture limpid and transparent.
From 480 parts Neumann got about 20 of volatile oil, 15 of re-
sinous extract, and 45 of watery. The husks of the seeds,
which have very little smell or taste, may be commodiously se-
parated, by committing the whole to the mortar, when the seeds
will readily pulverize, so as to be freed from the shell by the
sieve: this should not be clone till just before using them; for if
kept without the husks, they soon lose considerably of their
flavour.
Officinal Preparations.
Tinctura amomi repentis, E. L. D. vide Tincturce.
cardamomi composita, L. D. Idem.
sennse, L. D. - Idem.
gentianae composita, L. - Idem.
cinnamomi composita, E. L. D. Idem.
rhei, E. L. - - Idem.
cum aloe, E. - Idem.
Vinum aloes socotorinae, E. - Vina medicata.
rhabarbari, L. - - Idem.
Extractum colocynthidis compositum, L. Extract a*
180 Materia Medica.
Pulvis aromaticus, E. L. D. * vide Pulveres.
Confectio aromatica, L. - Electuaria.
Pilulae scilliticse, E. - - Pilules.
AMYGDALUS COMMUNIS. Nucleus. Ed.
a. Amygdalus dulcis, E. Amygdala dulces, L. D.
b. Amygdala amar^, L.
The Almond Tree. The kernel of the fruit.
JVilld.g. 981. sp. 2. Icosandria Monogynia. — Nat. QY&.Pomacece.
D. Amandclen . P. Amendoas.
Dk.Mandler. POL. MigdaL
F. Amandes. R. MndaL
G. Mandcln. S. Almendras.
I. Mandole, Mandorlc. SW. Mandlar.
The fruit which affords these kernels, is the produce of a tree
nearly resembling the peach. It originally came from Syria and
Barbary; but is now much cultivated in the south of Europe.
The eye distinguishes no difference betwixt the trees which
produce the sweet and bitter, or betwixt the kernels themselves;
it is said that the same tree has, bya difference in culture, afford-
ed both.
The almond is a flattish kernel, of a white colour, and of a soft
sweet taste, or a disagreeable bitter one. The skins of both
sorts are thin, brownish, unpleasant, and covered with an acrid
powdery substance. They are very apt to oecome rancid on keep-
ing, and to be preyed on by a kind of insect, which eats out the
internal part, leaving the almond to appearance entire. To these
circumstances regard ought to be had in the choice of them.
Sweet almonds are of greater use in food than as medicine, but
they are reckoned to afford little nourishment; and when eaten in
substance, are not easy of digestion, unless thoroughly commi-
nuted. They are supposed, on account of their unctuous quality,
to obtund acrimonious juices, in the prima? viae: peeled sweet al-
monds, eaten six or eight at a time, sometimes give present relief
in the heartburn.
Bitter almonds have been found poisonous to dogs and some
other animals; and a water distilled from them, when made of a
certain degree of strength, has had the same effects. Neverthe-
less, when eaten, they appear innocent to most men, and are every
day used in cookery on account of their agreeable flavour, but
there are some habits in which the smallest quantity produces
urticaria, and other unpleasant symptoms. The similarity of the
A. — Amygdalus Communis. 181
smell of bitter almonds to prussic acid led Mr. Schrader to sup-
pose, that it was owing to the presence of this acid, and it is said
that he has found his supposition correct, and that prussic acid is
equally poisonous with the bitter distilled waters.
Both sorts of almonds yield, on expression, a large quantity of
oil, which separates likewise upon boiling the almonds in water,
and is gradually collected on the surface.
The oils obtained by expression from both sorts of almonds
are in their sensible qualities the same. They shoukl be perfectly
free from smell and taste, and possess the other properties of
fixed oils.
Medical use. — The general virtues of these oils are, to blunt
acrimonious humours, and to soften and relax the solids: hence
their use internally, in tickling coughs, heat of urine, pains and
inflammations; and externally, in tension and rigidity of particu-
lar parts. On triturating almonds with water, the oil and water
unite together, by the mediation of the other matter of the ker-
nel, and form an unctuous milky liquor.
The milky solutions of almonds in watery liquors, commonly
called emulsions, contain the oil of the subject, and participate in
some degree of its emollient virtue; but have this advantage above
the pure oil, that thev may be given in acute or inflammatory dis-
orders, without danger of the ill effects which the oil might some-
times produce; since emulsions do not turn rancid or acrimonious
by heat, as all the oils of this kind in a little time do. As the
bitter almond imparts its peculiar taste when treated in this way,
the sweet almonds are employed in making emulsions.
Several unctuous and resinous substances, of themselves not
miscible with water, may, by trituration with almonds, be easily
mixed with it into the form of an emulsion; and are thus excel-
lently fitted for medicinal use. In this form, camphor, and the re-
sinous purgatives may be commodiously taken.
Officinal PnEPARAfioNs.
Oleum fixum, E. L. D. - vide Oleum.
Emulsio amygdalae communis, E. L. D. Mixture?.
arabica, E. D. - - Idem.
camphorata, E. L. - Idem.
Although the prussic acid forms no part of the Materia Me-
dica; yet as it appears to be a constituent of the almond, its che-
mical properties are here introduced.
Prussic acid is a colourless fluid, of a strong smell, like that of
peach flowers or bitter almonds, and a sweetish pungent taste.
It does not redden vegetable blues, and unites difficultly with the
alkalies and earths. It is easily decomposed by light, heat, or
oxygenized muriatic acid. ,It does not act upon the metals, hut
182 Materia Medtca.
forms coloured and generally insoluble combinations with their
oxides. It has a great tendency to form triple salts with alkaline
and metallic bases. It is obtained from animal substances by the
action of heat, nitric acid, fixed alkalies, and putrefaction.
Pnssiates of alkalies are easily decomposed even by carbonic
acid. Thry form variously coloured precipitates in the solutions
of the metallic salts, except those of platinum.
AMYLUM
Ex tritico prceparatum.
Wheat Starch,
D. Amydon, Ameldonk. P. Amido.
DA. Amdam. POL. Krochmal.
F. Amidon. R. Kruchmal.
G. Amidam. S. Amidon, Almidoii.
I. Amido, Amilo. SW. St'drkelse.
The Edinburgh college have inserted starch as a separate sub-
stance in their catalogue of the Materia Medica, probably consi-
dering it to be a general principle common to many vegetables,
although they point out the particular species which they wish
to be employed.
Starch is a fine white powder, generally concreted in friable
hexagonal columns, smooth to the feel, and emitting a particular
sound when compressed. It has neither taste nor smell. It is
decomposed by heat. It is not soluble in cold water or in alcohol.
Warm water converts it into a kind of paste, which on cooling
assumes a gelatinous form. This jelly when dried by heat be-
comes transparent and brittle like gum, but is not soluble in cold
water. Starch, after being thus dissolved in hot water, cannot be
reduced to its original state. It is precipitated by infusion of galls,
(Dr. Thomson.)
Medical uses.— rAs a constituent of many vegetable substances,
it forms a most important alimentary material. In a medical
point of view, it is to be considered as a demulcent; and accord-
ingly it forms the principal ingredient of an officinal lozenge; and
a mucilage prepared from it often produces excellent effects, both
taken by the mouth, and in the form of a clyster in dysentery and
diarrhoea from irritation of the intestines.
Starch is found in many vegetables, combined with different
substances. Fourcroy accordingly makes various species of it as
combined,
A. — Amyris.— Amyris Elemifera. 183
1. With gluten or fibrine, as in wheat, rye, and other simi-
lar seeds.
2. With extractive, as in beans, pease, lupins, &c.
3. With mucilaginous matters, as in the potato and many
other roots, in unripe CQrn.
4. With saccharine matter, in most roots, and in corn after
it has begun to germinate.
3. With oil, in the emulsive seeds, almonds, &c.
6. With an acrid principle, as in the root of the burdock, ja-
trophamanihot, arum, asarum, and other tuberous roots.
Officinal Preparations.
Mucilago amyli, E. L. - vide Mucilagines.
Trochisci gummosi, E. L. - - Trochhci.
Pulvis tragacantha: compositus, L. Pidveres.
Pilule hydrargyri, E. - Pilule? .
AMYRIS.
Willd. g. 755. Octandria Monogyriia. — Nat. ord. Dumoste.
AMYRIS ELEMIFERA. Sp. 2. Elemi. Resina. L. D.
Elemi. A Resin.
The tree which furnishes elemi grows in Carolina and Spanish
America. In dry weather, and especially at full moon, incisions
are made in the bark, from which a resinous juice flows, and is
left to harden in the sun. It is brought to us in long roundish
cakes, generally wrapped up in flag leaves. The best sort is soft -
ish, somewhat transparent, of a pale whitish yellow colour, incli-
ning a little to green, of a strong not unpleasant smell, resem-
bling somewhat that of fennel. Dr. Wright says, that on wound-
ing the bursera gummifera, a thick milky liquor flows, which
soon concretes into a resin no way different from the elemi of
the shops. Of 100 parts 94 dissolve in alcohol, and part of its
fragrance rises along with this menstruum in distillation: distilled
with water it yields 6.4 of pale-coloured, thin, fragrant, essen-
tial, oil. Its only constituents, therefore, are resin and essential oil.
It gives name to one of the officinal unguents, and is at present
scarce any otherwise made use of; though it is certainly prefera-
ble for internal purposes to some others which are held in
greater esteem.
Officinal Preparation.
Unguentura elemi, L. D. vide Unguenta.
184 Materia Medica<
AMYKIS ZEYLANICA. Sp. 18.
Th« elemi which comes from the East Indies is said to be the
produce of this species.
AMYRIS GILEADENSIS. Sp.6. Balsamum Gileadense. Ed.
Resina*
Balsam ofGilead. A Resvu
This article, which has also had the name of Balsamum Judair-
cum, Syriacum, de Mecca, Opo-balsamum, &c. is a resinous juice,
obtained from an evergreen tree, growing spontaneously, particu-
larly near to Mecca, on the Asiatic side of the Red sea. The best
sort of it is a spontaneous exudation from the tree; and is held in
so high esteem by the Turks, who are in possession of the country
where it is produced, that it is rarely, if ever, to be met with ge-
nuine among us. From the high price set upon it, many adulte-
rations are practised. The true opo-balsamum, according to Alpi-
nus, is at first turbid and white, of a very strong pungent smell,
like that of turpentine, but much sweeter; and of a bitter, acrid,
astringent taste: upon being kept for some time, it becomes thin,
limpid, of a greenish hue, then of a gold yellow, and at length
of the colour of honey.
This balsam is in high esteem among the eastern nations* both
as a medicine, and as an odoriferous unguent and cosmetic. It
has been recommended in a variety of complaints. But in Europe
it is never obtained genuine; and as all the signs of its goodness
are fallacious, it has been very rarely employed. Nor need we
regret it; for any of the other resinous fluids, such as the balsam
of Canada or Capaiba will answer every purpose full as well.
The dried berries of this tree were formerly kept under the
title of Carpo-balsamum, and the dried twigs under that of Xylo-
balsamum. Although Willdenow has inserted the amyris opo*
balsamum as a distinct species, he thinks they are the same.
A. — Andromeda Mariana. 185
ANCHUSA TINCTORIA. Radix. Ed.
Alkanet. The Root.
Anchusa, D.
Willd. g. 277. sp. 7. Pentandria Monogunia. — Nat. ord. Asperi-
fob'**
D. Ossetong, Orkanette. P. Alcamia bustarda, Orcaneta.
DA. Oxetunge, Orkanette. POL. Czerivicviec.
E. UOrcancnc R. IVolowoi jasilk.
G. Rothe Ochsenzunge, Orkanet. S. Arcaneta, Palomilla de Tinte.
I. Ancusa. SW. Rod Oxtungerot.
This plant is a native of* Europe: it is sometimes cultivated in
gardens; but the greatest quantities are raised in Germany or
France, particularly about Monlpelier, from whence the dried
roots are usually imported to us. The alkanet root produced in
England is much inferior in colour to that brought from abroad;
the English being only lightly reddish, the others of a deep pur-
plish red; and it has been suspected, but without sufficient foun-
dation, that the foreign roots owe part of their colour to art. The
cortical part of the root is of a dusky red, and imparts an elegant
deep red to alcohol, oils, wax, and all unctuous substances, but
not to watery liquors.
Alkanet root has but little or no smell; when recent, it has a
bitterish astringent taste; but when dried, scarcely any. As to its
virtues, the present practice expects not any from it. Its chief use
is for colouring oils, ointments, and plasters. As the colour is
confined to the cortical part, the small roots are best, having"
proportionally more bark than the large.
ANDROMEDA MARIANA.
Broad-leaved Moor-Wort.
The different species of the andromeda are very nearly akin
in botanical character to the rhododendron and kalmia, and are
suspectecl by professor Barton to be poisonous. A decoction of
the plant under consideration has been successfully employed as
a wash, in a disagreeable ulceration of the feet, which is not un-
common among the slaves, &c. in the southern states, and w7hich
is known by the name of the toe-itch and ground-itch.
The brown powder attached to the foot-stalks of the leaves of
the andromeda, is considerably errhinc. The powder about the
seeds, in the seed-vessels, possesses a similar quality. ^
* Barton's Collections towards a Materia Medica, part 1st.
2 A
186 Materia Medica,
ANETHUM.
Willd. g. 560. Pentandrla Digynia. — Nat. ord. Umbellate*
ANETHUM GRAVEOLENS. Sp. 1. Semen. L.
Dill. The Seed.
Dill is an annual umbelliferous plant, cultivated in gardens, as
well for culinary as medical use. The seeds are of a pale yellow-
ish colour, in shape nearly oval, convex on one side, and flat on
the other. Their taste is moderately warm and pungent; their
smell aromatic, but not of the most agreeable kind. These seeds
are recommended as a carminative in flatulent colics. The most
efficacious preparations of them, are, the distilled oil, and a tinc-
ture or extract made with rectified spirit.
Officinal Preparation.
Aqua anethi, L. - vide Aquz destillaU.
ANETHUM FOENICULUM. Sp. 3. Radix, Semen. Ed.
FOENICULUM DULCE. L. D.
Sweet Fennel. The Root and Seeds.
D. Venkel. P. Tunc ho.
DA. Fennikel. POL. Kopr nvlowskij.
F. Fenouil. R. Woloskoi Ukrop.
G. Fenchel. S. Hinojo.
I. Finocchio. SW. Fankol.
This is a biennial plant, of which there are four varieties. One
of these, the common fennel, is indigenous to England. The sweet
fennel, the variety which is officinal, grows wild in Italy, but is
also cultivated in gardens in England. It is smaller in all its parts
than the common, except the seeds, which are considerably larger.
The seeds of the two sorts differ likewise in shape and colour:
those of the common are roundish, oblong, flattish on one side,
and protuberant on the other, of a dark almost blackish colour;
those of the sweet are longer, narrower, not so flat, generally
crooked, and of a whitish or pale yellowish colour.
The seeds of both the fennels have "an aromatic smell, and a
moderately warm, pungent taste: those of the fceniculum duke are
in flavour most agreeable, and have also a considerable degree of
sweetness.
From 960 parts, Neumann obtained 20 of volatile oil,- 260
A. — Angelica Archangelica. 187
watery extract, and afterwards some alcoholic extract, wh^ch
could not be exsiccated on account of its oiliness. By alcohol first,
he got 84 resinous extract, 120 fixed oil, and then by water 120
of a bitter extract.
Officinal Preparations.
Aqua fceniculi dulcis, L. D. - - vide Aqu<x destillaU.
Oleum volatile flor. F. dul. D. \ \ 0lea voIatUiat
seminum r. dul. v. J
Decoctum chamsemeli, D. - - - - Decocta.
ANGELICA ARCHANGELICA. Radix, Folia, Semen. £d.
Angelica. L. D.
Radix, Caidis, Folia, Semen, L. Caules, Folia, Semina, D.
Angelica. The root, stalk, leaves, and seeds.
Willd.g. 543. sp. 1. Pentandria Digynia. — Nat. ord. Umbellate.
D. Angelica. I. Angelica.
F. Racine d'Angelique. P. Angelica.
G. Angelicanvurzel, Engelwurz. S. Anjelica.
Angelica is a large biennial umbelliferous plant. It grows
spontaneously on the banks of rivers in Alpine countries; but for
the use of the shops, it is cultivated in gardens in different parts
of Europe.
All the parts of Angelica, especially the roots, have a fragrant
aromatic smell; and a pleasant bitterish warm taste, glowing upon
the lips and palate for a long time after they have been chewed.
The flavour of the seeds and leaves is very perishable; particu-
larly that of the latter, which, on being barely dried, lose the
greatest part of their taste and smell: the roots are more tena-
cious of their flavour, though they lose part of it with keeping.
The fresh root, wounded early in the spring, yields an odorous
yellow juice; which, slowly exsiccated, proves an elegant gummy
resin, very rich in the virtues of the angelica. On drying the root^
this juice concretes into distinct molecular, which, on cutting it
longitudinally appear distributed in little veins; in this state, "they
are extracted by alcohol, but not by watery liquors. Angelica
roots are apt to grow mouldy, and to be preyed on by insects,
unless thoroughly dried, kept in a dry place, and frequently aired.
We apprehend, that the roots which are subject to this inconve-
nience, might be preserved, by dipping them in boiling spirit, or
exposing them to its steam, after they are dried. Baume says that
it is only the roots gathered inth e spring that are subject to this
188 Ma terra Medic a .
inconvenience, and that when gathered in the autumn, they keep
good several years. Roots only worm-eaten are as fit as ever for
making a tincture, or affording volatile oil.
Angelica is one of the most elegant aromatics of European
growth, though little regarded in the present practice. The root,
which is the most efficacious part, is used in the aromatic tinc-
ture. The stalks make an agreeable sweetmeat.
Officinal Preparation.
Spirit us anisi compositus, L. vide Spiritus destillati.
ANGUSTURA. Cortex. Ed. D.
Angus tu r a Bark.
The natural history of this bark is hitherto unknown. Will-
denovv suspects that it is the bark of the magnolia plumieri.* The
first parcel of it that was imported to England, came from Domi-
nica in July 1788, with an account, "that it had been found su-
perior to the Peruvian bark in the cure of fevers." Subsequent
importations from the Spanish West Indies, either immediately
or through the medium of Spain, give reason to suppose, that it
is the produce of South America. Now that the island of Trini-
dad, from which it is commonly imported into Europe, belongs
to the English, we may expect to get further information respect-
ing its natural history.
Its appearance is various, owing to its having been taken from
larger or smaller branches. The outer surface of it is more or less
wrinkled, and covered with a greyish coat, below which it is of
a yellowish brown: the inner surface is of a dull brown. It breaks
short and resinous. The ta^te is intensely bitter, and slightly aro-
matic, leaving a strong sense of heat and pungency in the throat
and fauces. The odour is peculiar. The powder is yellow.
According to the experiments related by Mr. Brande, from
3840 parts of angustura, there were extracted by alcohol, 144 of
resin, and 300 of an acrid unctuous substance, the residuum
yielded to water 1500 of dry gummy extract. Treated first with
water, it gave 2110 grains of a clear brown extract, bitter, but
not acrid, and afterwards 161 of a resin of a light brown colour,
and extremely acrid. By distillation it gave 26 of essential oil.
The tincture is of a deep yellow colour, -reddens infusion of turn-
sole, and becomes turbid and white on admixture with water. By
* Professor Barton inclines to the opinion that this article of the materia me-
dica is the bark of some species of magnolia.
Barton's Collections, Part 1st, page 14.
A. — Anthemis. — Anthemis Nobilis. 189
repeated filtration a brownish resin is separated, and the transpa-
rent fluid has a pale yellow colour. It is not precipitated by solu-
tion of gelatin, but by infusion of galls. It therefore does not con-
tain tannin but cinchonin, and it has the peculiar property of ac-
quiring a deep red colour with red sulphate of iron, and deposit-
ing a purplish slate-coloured precipitate.
As an aromatic bitter, it has been found to be a tonic and sti-
mulant of the organs of digestion. It increases the appetite for
food, removes flatulence and acidity arising from dyspepsia, and
is a very effectual remedy in diarrhoea from weakness of the
bowels, and in dysentery; and it possesses the singular advantage
of not oppressing the stomach, as Peruvian bark is apt to do. It
does not cure intermittents.
It is exhibited,
1. In powder, in doses of from 5 to 20 grains, either alone or
with rhubarb, magnesia, or carbonate of lime.
2. In infusion. The infusion of one drachm in four ounces of
water may be used daily.
3. In tincture.
4. In watery extract.
ANNONA TRILOBA.
Papaw. Custard Apple.
The dried fruit is purgative, according to professor Barton-
ANTHEMIS.
Syngenesia Polygamia superfiua. — Nat. ord. Composite radiate
ANTHEMIS NOBILIS. Herba et fores. Ed.
Cham/Emelum. L. D.
Chamomile. The Herb and Flowers.
Chamomile is a perennial plant, indigenous to the south of
England, but cultivated in most gardens for the purposes of me-
dicine. The flowers have a strong, not ungrateful, aromatic smelly
and a very bitter nauseous taste.
^ Their active constituents are bitter extractive, and essential
oil. To the latter is to be ascribed their antispasmodic, carmina-
tive, cordial, and diaphoretic effects; to the former their influ-
ence in promoting digestion.
190 Materia Medica.
Neumann obtained from 480 parts, 180 of alcoholic extract^
ahd afterwards 120 of watery; and reversing the procedure, 240
watery, and 60 alcoholic.
Medical use. — Chamomile flowers are a very common and ex-
cellent remedy, which is often used with advantage in spasmodic
diseases, in hysteria, in spasmodic and flatulent colics, in sup-
pression of the menstrual discharge, in the vomiting of puerperal
women, and in the after pains, in gout, in podagra, in intermit-
tents, and in typhus.
As chamomile excites the peristaltic motion, it is useful in dy-
sentery, but is not admissible in all cases of diarrhoea. From its
stimulating and somewhat unpleasant essential oil, chamomile is
also capable of exciting vomiting, especially when given in warm
infusion; and in this way it is often used to assist the action of
other emetics.
Externally, chamomile flowers are applied as a discutient and
emollient, in the form of clyster or embrocation, in colic, dysen-
tery, and strangulated hernia, &c.
Chamomile flowers are exhibited,
1. In substance, in the form of powder, or rather of electuary,
in doses of from half a drachm to two drachms, either alone, or
combined with Peruvian bark, as for the cure of intermittent
fevers.
2. In infusion, in the form of tea. This may either be drunk
warm, for promoting the action of emetics, or cold, as a sto-
machic.
3. In decoction or extract. These forms contain only the ex-
tractive, and therefore may be considered as simple bitters.
4. The essential oil may be obtained by distillation. This pos-
sesses the antispasmodic powers in a higher degree than the sim-
ple flowers, but on the contrary, does not possess the virtues de-
pending on the presence of the bitter extractive.
Officinal Preparations.
Decoctum anthemidis nobilis. E. L. D. vide Decocta.
Extractum anthemidis nobilis. E. L. D. Extracts,
ANTHEMIS PYRETHRUM. Radix. Ed.
Pyrethrum, L. D.
Pellitory of Spain. The Root.
This plant, though a native of warm climates, as Barbary,
bears the ordinary winters of England, and often flowers suc-
cessively from Christmas to May: the roots also grow larger there
A. — Antimonium. 191
than those with which the shops are usually supplied from
abroad, They are seldom so big as the little finger, and the best
are dry, compact, of a brown colour, and not easily cut with a
knife.
Peliitory root has no sensible smell; its taste is very hot and
acrid, but less so than that of arum; the juice expressed from it
has scarce any acrimony, nor is the root itself so pungent when
fresh as after it has been dried. Neumann obtained from 960
parts of the dry root, only 40 of alcoholic extract, and afterwards
570 of watery, and by a reverse procedure, 600 of watery, and
20 of alcoholic extract. Both the alcoholic extracts were exces-
sively pungent. Its acrimony, therefore is derived from a resin.
Medical use. — The principal use of pvrethrum in the present
practice is as a masticatory, for promoting the salival flux, and
evacuating the viscid humours from the head and neighbouring
parts; by this means it often relieves the toothach, some kinds of
pains of the head, and lethargic complaints. A vinous infusion is
also useful in debility of the tongue.
ANTIMONIUM.
Stibium.
Antimony.
D. S/iiesglas. P. Antimonio,
DA. S/iidseglas. POL. Sjiiszglas.
F. Antimoine. R. Antimonia.
G. Antimonium, Sjiiessglass. S. Antimonio.
I. Antimonio. SW. S/iitsgtas.
Antimony is white, very brilliant, lamellated; specific gravity
6.702; moderately hard; pulverizable; fusible at 809°; volatile
when highly ignited; sensible taste and smell; unalterable in cold
air; oxidizable by air and heat; oxide fusible into a yellow brown
glass; decomposes water when ignited; oxidized by the sulphu-
ric, nitric, and muriatic acids; combines with phosphorus and
sulphur. Oxides are black, brown, orange, yellow, white; and
they colour glass yellow or hyacinthine.
Antimony is found,
I. In its metallic state, at Sahlberg in Sweden, and Ailemont
in France.
II. Mineralized with sulphur.
1. Grev antimonv.
192 Materia Medica.
a. Compact.
b. Foliated.
c. Striated (74 antimony, 29 sulphur, Bergmann).
d. Plumose (sulphuret of antimony with arsenic and
iron. Berg.)
2. Red antimony (hydroguretted sulphuret of antimony).
III. Oxidized. Mongez.
IV. Acidified.
1. Muriated.
2. Phosphated. Yellow ore of antimony, Razumousky.
The grey ore of antimony is the state in which it is officinal,
and also that in which it is most commonly found.
SULPHURETUM ANTIMONII. E.
Sulphuret of Antimony.
Antimonium. L. Stibium. D.
Whatever opinion may be formed of the nomenclature
adopted by the Edinburgh college in general, the propriety of
the change which they have introduced in this and similar instan-
ces cannot be disputed: for while chemists, according to rational
principles, designated simple substancesby simple names,the same
names continued to be given by pharmaceutical writers to com-
pound states of these bodies. To have established, therefore, an
uniformity of nomenclature in sciences so intimately allied, can-
not fail to be considered as an improvement of the greatest im-
portance.
Although sulphuretted antimony be a natural production, yet
' it is commonly sold in the form of loaves, which have been separa-
ted from the stony, and other impurities of the ore by fusion, and
a species of filtration. For the ore is meked in conical well-baked
earthern pots, having one or more small holes in their apices.
The fire is applied around and above these pots; and as soon as
the sulphuretted antimony melts, it drops through the holes into
vessels placed beneath to receive it, while the stony and other im-
purities remain behind. As antimony is very volatile, the mouths
and joinings of the pots must be closed and luted. The upper part
of the loaves thus obtained is more spungy, lighter, and impure,
than the lower, which is therefore always to be preferred. These
loaves have a dark grey colour externally, but on being broken,
they appear to be composed of radiated striae, of a metallic lustre,
having the colour of lead. The goodness of the loaves is estima-
ted from their compactness and weight, from the largeness and
A. — Sulphuretum Antimonii, &c. 193
distinctness of the striae, and from their being entirely vaporizable
by heat. Lead has been sold for antimony; but its texture is
rather foliated than striated, and it is not vaporizable. The pre-
sence of arsenic, which renders the antimony useless for medi-
cal purposes, is knawn by its emitting the smell of garlic when
thrown upon live coals, and by other tests mentioned under arse-
nic. The presence of manganese or iron is known by their not
being volatilized by a red heat.
Antimony is obtained from its ores by gradually detonating in
a large crucible four parts of sulphuretted antimony, three of crude
tartar, and one and a half of dry nitrate of potass, reduced to a
fine powder, and intimately mixed. The detonated mass is then
to be fused and poured into a heated mould, greased with a little
fat, in which it is allowed to consolidate. It is then turned out,
and the scoria? are separated from the antimony, which will weigh
about one-fourth part of the sulphuret employed. The scoriae are
a mixture of sulphuret of potass and of antimony, and may be pre-
served for other purposes.
Another method of obtaining antimony, is by melting three
parts of sulphuretted antimony, with one of iron. The sulphur
quits the antimony, and combines with the iron.
Formerly antimony was given internally; but as its action de-
pended entirely on the acid it met with in the stomach, its effects
were very uncertain, and often violent. Cups were also made of
antimony, which imparted to wine that stood in them for some
time an emetic quality. But both these improper exhibitions
of this metal are now laid aside.
Medical use. — Sulphuretted antimony was employed by the
ancients in colyria against inflammations of the eyes; and for
staining the eye-brows black. Its internal use does not seem to
have been established till towards the end of the fifteenth centu-
ry; and even at that time it was by many looked upon as poison-
ous. But experience has now fully evinced, that it has no npxious
quality, being often used, particularly in chronic eruptions; that
some of its preparations are medicines of great efficacy; and that
though many of them are most violently emetic and cathartic, yet
even these, by a slight alteration or addition, lose their virulence,
and become mild in their operation.
Officinal Preparations.
Antimony is at present the basis of many officinal preparations,
to be afterwards mentioned. But besides those still retained,
many others have been formerly in use, aad are still employed
by different practitioners. The following table, drawn up by Dr.
Black, exhibits a distinct view of the whole.
2B
194 Materia Medica.
Dr. Black's Table of the Preparations of Antimony.
Medicines are prepared either from crude antimony, or from the
pure metallic part of it, called regulus.
From Crude Antimony.
I. By trituration.
Antimonium prseparatum. Lond.
II. By the action of heat and air.
Flores antimonii sine addito.
Vitrum antimonii. Ed.
Antimonium vitrificatum, Lond.
Vitrum antimonii ceratum. Ed.
III. By the action of alkalies.
Hepar antimonii mitissimum.
Regulus antimonii medicinalis*
Hepar ad kermes minerale. Geoffro't. <
Hepar ad tinct. antimonii.
Kermes minerale.
Sulphur antimonii praecipitatum. Ed. et Lond.
IV. By the action of nitre.
Crocus antim. mitissimus, vulgo^ Regulus antim* medici-
nalis.
Crocus antimonii. Ed. et Lond.
Antimonii emeticum mitius. Boerh.
Antim. ustum cum nitro, vulgo, Calx antimonii nitrata. Ed.
Antimonium calcinatum. Lond. vulgo* Antimonium diaphoret.
Antim. calcareo-phosphoratum, sive pulvis antimonialis. Ed.
Pulvis antimonialis* Lond.
V. By the action of acids.
Antim. vitriolat. Klaunig.
Antim. cathartic. Wilson.
Antimonium muriatum, vulgoy Butyrum antim. Ed.
4ntimonium muriatum, Lond.
Pulvis algarothi, sive Mercurius Vitce*
Bezoardicum minerale.
Antimonium tartarisatum, vulgo, Tartarus emeticus. Ed.
Antimonium tartarisatum, Lond.
Vinum antimonii tartarisati. Ed. et Lond.-
Vinum antimonii. Lond. c
A. — Antiraonium. 195
From the Regulus.
This metal, separated from the sulphur by different processes, is
called Regulus antimonii simplex, Regulus martialis, Regulus
jovialis, &c. From it were prepared,
I. By the action of heat and air.
Flores argentei, sive nix antim.
II. By the action of nitre.
Cerussa antimonii.
Stomachicum Poterii.
Antihecticum Poterii.
Cardiacum Poterii.
Preparations which have their name from Antimony, but
scarcely contain any of it.
Cinnabaris antimonii.
Tinctura antimonii.
To this table of Dr. Black's, which is left unaltered, Dr. Dun-
can has added another, not taken from the mode of preparation,
but from the nature of the product.
Antimony has been exhibited,
I. In its metallic state.
a. Antimonium. Regulus antimonii.
b. Alloyed,
1. With iron. Regulus antimonii martialis.
2. With tin. Regulus antimonii jovialis.
3. With tin and copper. Regulus metallorum.
c. Combined with sulphur.
1. Sulphuretum antimonii. (Ed.) Antimonium.
(Lond.) Stibium. (Dub.) ant. ppt. E. L. D.
2. Regulus antimonii medicinalis. (Maet.) Fe*
brifugum Craanii.
II. Oxidized,
a. Protoxide.
1. Calx antimonii per se* Cinis antimonii.
2. Flores antimonii argentini.
3. Calx stibii prscip. D. Pulvis algarothi.
4. Combined with sulphuret of antimony. Oxidum
antimonii cum sulphure vitrificatum, E.
196 Materia Medica.
Antim. vitrif. L. Vitrum antimonii. Melted with
wax, Oxidiim antimonii vitrif. cum cera, E.
Oxidum antimonii cum sulph. per nitrat. potassae,
E. Stibium nitro calcinat. D. Crocus antimonii.
Crocus metallorum. Hepar antim.
5. Combined with sulphuretted hydrogen. Sul-
phuret. ant. prscip. E. Sulph. ant. prsecip. L.
Sulph. stibiat. rufum, D. Sulphur auratum an-
timonii.
6. With hydroguretted sulphur. Sulphur stibiat.
fuscum, D. Kermes minerale.
7. With muriatic acid. Murias antim. E. Ant.
mur. L. Stib. muriat. caust. D. Butyrum anti-
monii.
8. With tartaric acid and potass. Tartris antimoJ
nii, E. Ant. Tart. L. Tart, stibiat. D. Tarta-
rus emeticus. Dissolved hi zvine. Vinum tart,
ant. E. Vin. tart. stib. D. Vin. ant. tart. L.
Vin. ant. L. Vinum antimoniale.
9. With phosphate of lime. Oxidum antimonii
cum phosphate calcis, E. Pulv. ant. L. Pulv.
stib. D. James's powders.
b. Peroxide.
Antimonium calcinatum. Lond.
These are the principal preparations of antimony. In estimat-
ing their comparative value, we may attend to the following ob-
servations. All the metallic preparations are uncertain, as it en-
tirely depends on the state of the stomach, whether they have
no action at all, or operate with dangerous violence. The sulphu-
ret-is exposed, though in a less degree, to the same objections.
The preparations in which antimony is in the state of peroxide,
are perfectlv insoluble in any vegetable or animal acid, and are
also found to be perfectly inert when taken into the stomach.
The remaining preparations of antimony, or those in which it
is in the state of protoxide, are readily soluble in the juices of the
stomach, and act in very minute doses. Of its saline prepara-
tions, only those can be used internally which contain a vegetable
acid; for its soluble combinations with the simple acids are very
acrid and corrosive. In general, the surest and best preparations
of antimony are those which contain a known quantity of the me-
tal in the state of protoxide.
The general effects of antimonials are, in small doses, diapho-
resis, nausea: in large doses, full vomiting and purging. Some
allege that antimonials are of most use in fevers when they do
not produce any sensible evacuation, as is said to be the case
sometimes with James's powder. They therefore prefer it in ty-
A.— Antimonium. — Crocus Antimonii. 197
phus, and emetic tartar in synochus, in which there is the appear-
ance at first of more activity in the system, and more apparent
cause for evacuation.
SULPHURETUM ANTIMONII PRiEPARATUM. Ed.
Olim, Antimonium Pr^paratum.
Prepared Sulphur et of Antimony, formerly Prepared Antimony.
Antimonium Pr^paratum. L.
Stibium Pr.-eparatum. D.
Prepared Antimony.
Sulphuret of antimony is prepared in the same way as carbonate
of lime. Vide Carbonas Calcis.
By reducing the sulphuret of antimony to the state of an im-
palpable powder, it is both rendered much more active than it
would otherwise be, and it is prevented from irritating the stomach
mechanically, of which there would be some danger from the
sharpness of its spicule. Even in this state, however, it is not a
very certain remedy. In general, it operates as a very mild sudo-
rific or cathartic; but sometimes, if it meet with much acid in
the stomach, it becomes more active, producing vomiting or hy-
percatharsis. Therefore, it seems prudent to evacuate the primae
viae before it be exhibited, and to combine it with an absorbent
earth.
It is principally given in scrofula, glandular obstructions, cuta-
neous diseases and rheumatism. Its dose is from 10 to 30 grains
and upwards, and it is best exhibited in the form of a powder or
bolus.
OXIDUM ANTIMONII cum SULPHURE, PER NI-
TRATE M POTASSiE. Ed.
Olim, Crocus Antimonii.
Oxide of Antimony, zvith Sulphur, by Nitrate of Potass, formerly
Crocus of Antimony.
Stibium Nitro-Calcinatum, D.
Antimony Calcined by Nitre.
Crocus Antimonii, L.
Crocus of Antimony.
l&B Materia Medico*.
Take of
Sulphuret of antimony,
Nitrate of potass, equal weights.
After they are separately powdered and well mixed, let them be
injected into a red hot crucible; when the deflagration is over,
the reddish matter is to be separated from the whitish crust,
and reduced to powder, which is to be edulcorated by repeated
washings with hot water, till the water come off insipid. (E.)
In this process, the nitric acid of the nitre, and part of the sul-
phuret, are mutually decomposed: the sulphur is acidified, and
combines with the potass of the nitre, while the antimony is con-
verted into protoxide, which combines with the undecomposed
portion of the sulphuret, and forms a dark brown, opaque, vitri-
fied mass; so that after the scorise and other saline matters have
been removed by washing, the substance which remains, accord-
ing to Proust, consists of three parts of oxide of antimony, and
one of sulphuret of antimony.
With regard to the mode of preparation, Bergmann observes,
that by the common process of throwing the mixture into an ig-
nited uncovered crucible, there is sometimes a loss of nearly one
half, and therefore advises the mixture to be put into a cold cru-
cible, which is to be covered and heated till the matter melts, by
which means there is very little loss.
What is kept in the shops is almost universally prepared with
less nitre than is here ordered. The consequence is, that too
much sulphur remains not acidified, the antimony is scarcely ox-
idized, and the preparation is unfit for the uses to which it ought
to be applied. When nitre has been thus culpably economized,
the crocus has a steel grey, instead of a liver brown colour. The
addition of common salt, directed by the London and Dublin
colleges, is improper, as it is decomposed, and a portion of mu-
riate of antimony is formed.
The sulphuretted oxide of antimony is a very uncertain pre-
paration, often operating with very great violence. Its internal
use is therefore almost proscribed, or at least confined to mania-
cal cases, and veterinary practice. It is, however, useful in phar-
macy, as the basis of other preparations.
A. — Antimonium. — Vitrum Antimonii. 199
OXIDUM ANTIMONII, cum SULPHURE, VITRIFI-
CATUM. Ed.
Olim, Vitrum Antimonii.
Vitrified Oxide of Antimony with Sulphur , formerly Glass of
Antimony,
Antimonium Vitrificatum, L.
Vitrified Antimony.
Strew sulphuret of antimony beat into a coarse powder like sand,
upon a shallow unglazed earthern vessel, and apply a gentle
heat underneath, that the antimony may be heated slowly:
keeping it at the same time continually stirring, to prevent it
from running into lumps. White vapours of a sulphureous
smell will arise from it. When they cease with the degree of
heat first applied, increase the fire a little, so that vapours may
again arise; go on in this manner, till the powder, when
brought to a red heat, exhales no more vapours. Melt this
powder in a crucible with an intense heat, till it assumes the
appearance of melted glass; then pour it out on a heated brass
plate. (E.)
Glass of antimony, according to Proust, consists of one part
of sulphuret of antimony, combined with eight of oxide of anti-
mony; now, by this process, the greatest part of the antimony is
deprived of its sulphur, and is at the same time converted into
the protoxide, which combines with the small portion of sulphu-
ret which remains undecomposed. But as this preparation is not
easily made in the manner here directed, unless in a furnace
constructed on purpose, apothecaries may advantageously adopt
the synthetical method of Bergmann, which consists in melting
in a crucible, with one twelfth or eighth of its weight of sulphur,
protoxide of antimony prepared by deflagrating it with more than
twice its weight of nitre. At the temperature necessary for
melting it, the peroxide of antimony loses great part of its oxygen,
and is converted into sulphuret and protoxide, in the propor-
tions which form the glass of antimony. From our present know-
ledge of the composition of this substance it might be named ox-
idum antimonii cum sulphureto.
In whichever way prepared, the glass of antimony is transpa-
rent, and has a fine hyacinthine colour. On dissolving it in mu«
riatic acid, it gives out sulphuretted hydrogen gas. Its medical
operation is so uncertain, that it is only used in making other
preparations.
200 • Materia Medica.
OXIDUM ANTIMONII VITRIFICATUM, cum
CERA. Ed.
Olim, Vitrum Antimonii Ceratum.
Vitrified Oxide of Antimony xvith Wax; formerly Cer cited Glass of
Antimony.
Take of
Yellow wax, one part;
Vitrified oxide of antimony, with sulphur, eight parts.
Melt the wax in an iron vessel, and throw into it the powdered
oxide: roast the mixture over a gentle fire for a quarter, of an
hour, continually stirring it; then pour it out, and when cold
grind it into powder. (E.)
The glass melts in the wax with a very gentle heat: after it has
been about twenty minutes on the fire, it begins to change its
colour, and in ten more comes near to that of Scottish snuff;
which is a mark of its being sufficiently prepared; the mixture
loses about one-ninth of its weight in the process.
This medicine was for some time much esteemed in dysen-
teries. The dose is from two or three grains to twenty, accord-
ing to the age and strength of the patient. In its operation, it
makes some persons sick, and vomit; it purges almost every one;
though it has sometimes effected a cure without occasioning any
evacuation or sickness. It is now, however, much less used than
formerly.
SULPHUR STIBIATUM FUSCUM. D.
Olim, Kermes Mineralis.
Brown Antimoniated Sulphur; formerly Kermes Mineral.
Take of
Prepared antimony,
Mild vegetable alkali, each one ounce.
Melt them together in a crucible, and when cold reduce the sub-
stance to powder. Put this into a matrass with five pounds of
pure water, and boil for an hour. Then remove the vessel from
the fire; let it stand at rest for a little,- and as soon as the liquor
becomes clear, pour it cautiously from the sediment. When
the liquor grows cool, the brown antimo'niated sulphur will se-
parate, which is to be drie.d on paper. (D.y
A. — Antimonium. — Sulph. Stib*. Fuscum. 201
Accordjng to Thenard, the brown precipitate consists of
72.760 brown oxide of antimony.
20.298 sulphuretted hydrogen.
4.156 sulphur.
2.786 water and loss.
100.
He considers kermes mineral, therefore, as a sulphuretted hy-
droguret of antimony, especially as it differs from that which is
prepared by the direct combination of its constituents, only in
containing a small quantity of superabundant sulphur.
When the sulphuret of antimony and carbonate of potass are
melted together, the carbonic acid is expelled w ith effervescence,
and a sulphuret of antimony and potass is formed. On boiling
this in water, water is decomposed, the antimony is oxidized,
and the hydrogen combines with the sulphur. The sulphuretted*
hydrogen thus formed, combines partly with the potass, and
partly with the oxide of antimony. Now, the sulphuretted hydro-
guret of antimony, (kermes mineral,) is soluble in a solution of
sulphuretted hndroguret of potass, at 212°, but not at ordinary
temperatures. Therefore, on cooling, it separates and falls to the
bottom.
Such is the present theory of the formation of kermes mineral.
With regard to the practice, the directions of the Dublin college
differ considerably, especially in the proportions of the substances
employed, from the best pharmaceutical writers on the Continent.
Lemery melted sixteen parts of sulphuret' of antimony, and one
of sulphur, with eight parts of carbonate of potass. The last edi-
tion of the Prussian pharmacopoeia directs two parts of sulphuret
of antimony, and one of exsiccated carbonate of soda, to be melt-
ed, and afterwards boiled fifteen minutes in six or eight parts of
water, which on cooling deposits a considerable quantity of
kermes. The fluid from which the kermes has been deposited
may be again boiled in the residuum of the f\rst decoction, and
it will dissolve a fresh portion of kermes; and this process may
be repeated as long as there remains any to dissolve. After this,
the residuum, when melted, 'consists almost solely of antimony.
It therefore appears, that the alkali renders almost all the sulphur
soluble, and only disposes the oxidizement of as much antimony
as is capable of combining with the sulphuretted hydrogen.
There appears to be no reason why the whole of the antimony
should not be converted into kermes by employing a proper ad-
dition of sulphur and alkali.
Kermes is also made in the humid way. Fourcroy boils, in
twenty parts of water, six parts of pure potass of contmerce, and
into the boiling solution throws about the twentieth part of the
2 C
202 Materia Medica.
weight of the alkali, or 0.3 of a part of powdered sulphuret of
antimony, and continues the boiling for seven or eight minutes,
then niters, and allows the kermes to precipitate by cooling.
Hermbstadt uses very different proportions; for he boils twelve
parts ot sulphuret of antimony, and three of salt of tartar, in
ninety -six parts of water, down to sixty-four, and then niters,
&c. Gren employs four parts of sulphuret of antimony, sixteen
of carbonate of potass, and sixty-four of water, and boils for se-
veral hours. Gdttling boils eight parts of sulphuret of antimony,
and two of sulphur in a sufficient quantity of solution of potass
down to one half.
Medical use — This preparation of antimony is less used in
Britain than on the Continent. It is an active substance, and apt
to excite vomiting. To adults, the dose is a grain, or a grain and
a half.
SULPHURETUM ANTIMONII PRiECIPITATUM.
Ed.
Precipitated Sulphuret of Antimony.
Sulphur Antimonii Pr^cipitatum, L.
Precipitated Sulphur of Antimony.
Sulphur Stibiatum Rufum, D.
Orange Antimoniated Sulphur.
Take of
Water of potass, four pounds;
Water, three pounds;
Prepared sulphuret of antimony, two pounds.
•Boil them in a covered iron pot, over a slow fire for three hours,
adding more water, if necessary, and frequently stirring the
mixture with an iron spatula: strain the liquor while warm
through a double cloth, and add to it when filtered as much
diluted sulphuric acid as is necessary to precipitate the sul-
phuret, which must be well washed with warm water.
This is also, according to the analysis of Thenard, a sulphuret-
ted hydroguret of antimony, which consists of
68.3 orange oxide of antimony.
17.877 sulphuretted hydrogen.
12. sulphur.
98.177
Thenard considers the sulphur as only mechanically and acci-
dentally mixed; and that the essential difference between this
A. — Antimonium. — Sulphuret. A. Praecip. 203
preparation and kermes mineral consists in the degree of oxidize-
ment of the antimony.
But notwithstanding the great celebrity of Thenard as a che-
mist, and his having paid particular attention to the combinations
of antimony, we may be allowed to doubt the accuracy of his
opinion, for it must appear to every one an affected refinement of
analysis, to discover in such substances a difference of only 2 per
cent, of oxidizement; and as Proust has since shown that both
preparations contain the protoxide, the only difference between
these bodies appears to be the proportion of sulphur they contain.
For it is agreeable to analogy to suppose, that the sulphuretted
hydroguret of antimony is more soluble in a solution oi • >
guretted sulphuret of potass at 212°, than at 60°. Therefore, as a
boiling solution cools, that portion of the sulphuretted h\ droguret
of antimony, which it is unable to retain in solution at a redu-.a
temperature, separates and forms the red precipitate, known by
the name of Kermes Mineral; but the portion which remains in
solution can only be obtained by decomposing the hydroguretted
sulphuret of potass itself, by means ol an acid; an:i therefore the
precipitate forming the sulphur auratum antimonii, is a mixture
or compound of hydroguretted sulphuret of antimony, (kermes
mineral) with the sulphur of the decomposed sulphuret of potass,
which gives it a brighter and paler colour.
The precipitated sulphuret of antimony, like the kermes, may
be prepared either in the dry or in the moist way. The latter is
the mode adopted by the British colleges, and also seems to be
the most universally employed on the Continent. Gbttling boils
two parts of sulphuret of antimony, and three of sulphur, in a
sufficient quantity of a recent solution of potass, filters the solu-
tion, and precipitates with sulphuric acid, diluted with twelve
times its weight of water. Wiegleb treats in the same manner
two parts of sulphuret of antimony with one of sulphur. But to
his proportions it has been objected, that the product resembles
kermes more than sulphur auratum. If this objection be just, it
must apply in a still stronger degree to the formula of the British
colleges, in which no sulphur is added.
In the dry way, two parts of sulphuret of antimony and three
of sulphur may be melted with five or six of pure carbonate of
potass in a covered crucible, as quickly as possible, poured into
an iron mortar, reduced to powder, and dissolved by boiling the
powder in water. The solution is to be filtered warm, diluted
with a sufficient quantity of water, and precipitated with diluted
sulphuric acid. By some, the solution is allowed to remain at
rest for twenty-four hours before it be filtered, and some preci-
pitate with nitrous acid.
The processes for making the golden sulphuret of antimony,
depend on the property which the hydroguretted sulphuret of
20 4 Materia Medica.
potass possesses, of dissolving, and retaining dissolved, even at
ordinary temperatures, a portion of orange oxide of antimony;
and as the attraction by which potass exists in this compound is
weaker than its affinity for acids, on the addition of any acid, the
potass unites with the acid; a portion of sulphuretted hydrogen
gas escapes; and the oxide of antimony, combined with the rest
of the sulphur and hydrogen, are precipitated in the form of a
light orange powder. When the acid is added gradually, the
proportion of oxide cf antimony always decreases, while that of
the sulphur increases in each successive portion of precipitate.
Hence in the old manner of preparing this substance from the
scoriae, formed in reducing antimony from its sulphuret, and
which contained but little sulphur, the two first portions of pre-
cipitate, being dark coloured, were rejected, and only the pro-
duct of the third precipitation retained for use. The want of eco-
nomy in this process is sufficiently obvious, as well as the very
great improvement in modern times, of adding a sufficient quan-
tity of sulphur, and precipitating the whole at once.
Medical use. — In its action on the body, the orange sulphuret
of antimony coincides with the kermes mineral; but on account
of the larger proportion of sulphur, it must be given in somewhat
larger doses.
Officinal Preparation.
Pulvis Stibii compositus, D.
MURIAS ANTIMONII. Ed.
Muriate of Antimony.
Stibium Muriatum Causticum, D.
Caustic Muriated Antimony.
Antimonium Muriatum, L.
Muriated Antimony.
Take of
Oxide of antimony with sulphur, by nitrate of potass.
Sulphuric acid, each one pound;
Dried muriate of soda, two pounds.
Pour the sulphuric acid into a retort, gradually adding the mu-
riate of soda and oxide of antimony previously mixed. Then
perform the distillation in a sand bath. Expose the distilled
matter for several days to the air, that it may deliquesce, and
then pour the liquid part from the feces. (E. L. D.)
Muriate of antimony was originally prepared by distilling
sulphuret of antimony with muriate of quicksilver. Muriate of
A. — Antimonium. — Murias Antimonii. 205
antimony, or butter of antimony, as it was called from its ap-
pearance when recently prepared, passes over into the receiver,
and black sulphuret of quicksilver remains in the retort, or, by
increasing the heat, red sulphuret of mercury, which, when ob-
tained by this process, was formerly termed Cinnabar of antimony,
is sublimed. But this mode of preparation is both expensive, and
dangerous to the health of the operator. To avoid these incon-
veniences, Scheele prepared a sulphuretted oxide of antimony,
by deflagrating two parts of sulphuret of antimony with three of
nitrate of potass in an iron mortar. The mass thus obtained is to
be powdered, and one pound of it put into a glass vessel, on
which is to be poured, first a mixture of three pounds of water
and fifteen ounces of sulphuric acid, and afterwards fifteen ounces
of powdered common salt. The whole is to be digested for
twelve hours, and stirred all the while, and the solution, when
cool, strained through linen. On the residuum one-third of the
above menstruum is to be poured, and the mixture digested and
strained. When diluted with boiling water, a copious precipi-
tate of submuriate of antimony takes place from the decomposi-
tion of the muriate, while the other salts contained in the solu-
tion are not affected by it. Mr. Stott says, that the digestion need
not be continued longer than two or three hours, and that the
heat must be kept moderate, as the muriate of antimony begins
to evaporate before it boils. This process furnishes an easy, if
not the best, mode of preparing the submuriate of antimony,
but it does not give us the solution of the muriate in a state of
purity. But in consequence of its volatility, we may easily sepa-
rate it from the other salts by distillation. This was first proposed
by Gmelin, and improved by Wiegleb, who distilled a mixture
of one part of sulphuret of antimony, four of muriate of soda,
and three of sulphuric acid diluted with two of water ; but in
this process, the product is rendered impure by the admixture of
sulphur, and there is great danger of the vessels bursting from
the immense quantity of sulphuretted hydrogen gas disengaged.
In 1781, the process adopted by the British colleges was first in-
troduced in the London Pharmacopoeia. But we have already
observed, that the oxide of antimony made use of in this prepa-
ration, is seldom sufficiently oxidized or deprived of its sulphur,
which occasions the production of much sulphuretted hydrogen
gas, and from the concentrated state in which the materials are
employed, the muriatic acid gas is sometimes disengaged, espe-
cially if the heat be improperly applied, so rapidly, that it has
not time to act upon the oxide of antimony. At last, in 1797,
Gottling, by substituting the glass of antimony for the crocus,
diluting the sulphuric acid, and using the muriate of soda crys-
tallized, removed these inconveniences. He introduces into a re-
tort a mixture of four ounces of glass of antimony in powder,
206 Materia Medica.
with sixteen of muriate of soda, and then pours into it twelve
ounces of sulphuric acid, diluted with eight of water. He lutes
on a tubulated receiver with gypsum, and distils to dryness in a
sand bath, with a heat gradually increased. By this process, he
says, about twenty ounces of very strong fuming solution of mu-
riate of antimony are obtained. The residuum in the retort is
sulphate of soda, but unfit for internal use, on account of its be-
ing mixed with some antimony.
Butter of antimony is crystallizable. It is remarkably deli-
quescent, and forms a permanent solution; but if more than a
certain proportion of water be added, it is decomposed; a large
quantity of submuriate of antimony being precipitated, in the
form of white silky crystals, while a super-muriate remains in
solution. Butter of antimony has been said by Dr. Thompson to
contain the peroxide, but besides the well known solubility of the
oxide anc^tyubmuriate prepared from it, in tartaric acid, an ad-
ditional proof that it contains the protoxide occurred to Dr.
Duncan in the rapid effervescence of hydrogen gas which takes
place when zinc is immersed in it.
OXIDUM ANTIMONII NITRO-MURIATICUM. Dub.
Nitro- Muriatic Oxide of Antimony.
Take of
Prepared sulphuret of antimony, two ounces;
Muriatic acid, eleven ounces by measure;
Nitrous acid, one drachm by measure.
Add the sulphuret gradually to the acids, previously mixed in a
glass vessel, avoiding the vapours. Digest with a heat gradu-
ally increased, until the effervescence cease, and then boil for
one hour. Filter the liquor when cold, and receive it when
filtered in a gallon of water. The oxide of antimony will fall to
the bottom. Wash this repeatedly in a sufficiently large quan-
tity of water, until the liquor poured off is perfectly free from
acid, as known by the test of litmus; and, lastly, dry the oxide
upon bibulous paper.
This is the submuriate of antimony, the Puhh Algarothi of
the older chemists, prepared by a process analogous to that of
Scheele. The theory of its formation has been already explained.
It is only used in the preparation of tartar emetic.
Officinal Preparation.
Tartarum antimoniatum, D.
A. — Antimonium. — Pulv. Antim. 20'
CALX STIBII PR^ECIPITATA.
Precipitated Calx of Antimony.
Take of
Mild vegetable alkali,
Caustic muriated antimony, each eight ounces;
Waicr, forty pounds.
Dissolve the vegetable alkali in the water, and to the filtered li-
quor add the caustic muriated antimony. Dry the calx which
subsides, after washing away the saline matters. (D.)
This process is intended to separate the protoxide contained
in the muriate of antimony, by means of the superior affinity
which potass possesses for muriatic acid. It is absolutely neces-
sary that the muriate of antimony be poured into the alkajine
solution, and not the solution into the muriate; for the muriate
is partially decomposed by water alone, which combines with
part of the acid; and the salt, brought to the state of an insoluble
submuriate, is precipitated. Therefore, if we pour the alkaline
solution into the muriate of antimony, the muriate acts first upon
the alkali, and immediately afterwards upon the water of each
portion of the solution; and therefore we obtain a mixed precipi-
tate of oxide of antimony and submuriate of antimony. But if we
pour the muriate into the alkaline solution, the whole acid of each
portion of the muriate immediately finds a sufficient quantity of
alkali to saturate it, and the whole, or at least a much larger pro-
portion of the antimony, is precipitated in the state of oxide.
OXIDUM ANTIMONII cum PHOSPHATE CALCIS,
Ed.
Oxide of Antimony with Phosphate of Lime.
PULVIS AxTIMONIALIS, L.
Pulvis Stibiatus, D.
Antimonial Powder.
Take of
Sulphuret of antimony, in coarse powder,
Shavings of hartshorn, equal weights.
Mix, and put them into a wide red-hot iron pot, and stir the mix*
ture constantly, until it is burnt into a matter of grey colour,
which is then to be removed from the fire, ground into powder,
and put into a coated crucible. Lute to this crucible another
inverted over it, and perforated in the bottom with a small
208 Materia Medica.
hole, and apply the fire, which is to be raised gradually, to a
white heat, and kept in that increased state for two hours.
Lastly, grind the matter, when cold, into a very fine pow-
der. (E. L. D.)
This is supposed to be nearly the same with the celebrated
nostrum of Dr. James, the composition of which was ascertained
by Dr. Pearson of London, to whom we are also indebted for the
above formula.
By burning sulphuret of antimony and shavings of hartshorn
in a white heat, the sulphur is entirely expelled, and the antimo-
ny is oxidized, while the gelatin of the hartshorn is destroyed,
and nothing is left but phosphate of lime, combined with a little
lime. Therefore, the mass which results is a mixture of oxide of
antimony and phosphate of lime, which corresponds, at least as
to the nature of the ingredients, with James's powder, which, by
Dr. Pearson's analysis, was found to consist of 43 phosphate of
lime, and 57 oxide of antimony. Another excellent chemist, Mr.
Chenevix, has lately proposed a method of forming the same
combination in the humid way, with the view of obtaining a pre-
paration always similar in its composition and properties. He was
led to this proposal by considering the uncertainty of the applica-
tion, and the precarious nature of the agency of fire, by which
means a variable portion of the oxide of antimony may be volati-
lized, and that which remains may be oxidized in various
degrees.
Mr. Chenevix therefore proposes to prepare a substitute for
James's powder, by dissolving together equal weights of submu-
riate of antimony and of phosphate of lime in the smallest possi-
ble quantity of muriatic acid, and then pouring this solution gra-
dually into water sufficiently alkalized with ammonia. For the
reason mentioned in the preceding article, it is absolutely neces-
sary that the muriatic solution be poured into the alkaline liquor.
By an opposite mode of procedure, the precipitate would contain
more antimony at first, and towards the end the phosphate of
lime would be predominant, and the antimony would be partly in
the state of a submuriate. The phosphate of lime is most conve-
niently obtained pure by dissolving calcined bone in muriatic
acid, and by precipitating it by ammonia. If the ammonia be
quite free from carbonic acid, no muriate of lime is decomposed.
Mr. Chenevix also found, that his precipitate is entirely soluble
in every acid which can dissolve either phosphate of lime or oxide
of antimony separately, and that about.0.28 of James's powder,
and at an average 0.44 of the pulvis antimenialis of the London
Pharmacopoeia resist the action of every acid.
Medical use. — The oxide of antimony with phosphate of lime,
howsoever prepared, is one of the best antimonials we possess. It
A. — Antimonium. — Tartris Antimonii. 209
is given as a diaphoretic in febrile diseases, in doses of from three
to eight grains, repeated every third or fourth hour. In larger
quantities, it operates as a purgative or emetic. From its being
insoluble in water, it must be given either in the form of a pow-
der, or made into a pill or bolus.
TARTRIS ANTIMONII; olim, Tartarus Emeticus, Ed.
Tartrite of Antimony, formerly Tartar Emetic.
Antimonium Tartarisatum, L.
Tartarized Antimony.
Tartarum Stibiatum, D.
Antimoniated Tartar. %
Take of
Oxide of antimony with sulphur, by nitrate of potass,*three parts;
Super- tartrite of potass, four parts;
Distilled water, thirty-two parts.
Boil in a glass vessel for a quarter of an hour, strain through pa-
per and set aside the strained liquor to crystallize. (E. L.)
The tartaric acid is capable of combining, in many examples,
with two bases at the same time, forming with them triple crys-
tallizable salts. In the present instance, it is combined with
oxide of antimony and potass; and as the potass is essential to its
constitution, and the real tartrate of antimony is a different salt,
its name should certainly have been Tartrate of Antimony and
Potass.
In the preparation of this salt, the different combinations of
protoxide of antimony have been employed. Any of them will
afford a very pure salt. The crocus, precipitated oxide, submu-
riate, and glass, are all occasionally employed. The London and
Edinburgh colleges use the crocus. To this the principal objec-
tion is, that it is never found in the shops in a state fit for this
purpose. The Dublin college use the precipitated oxide, which
answers extremely well, but is too expensive to be generally
adopted. The submuriate, which is more easily prepared, is just
as good; for the muriatic acid is completely separated by part of
the potass, and remains in the mother water. Mr. Stott thinks
muriatic acid essential to the constitution of good tartar-emetic,
and says, that he never could obtain it in transparent crystals,
when he employed the glass or crocus, or any other oxide of an-
timony than the pulvis algerothi. He therefore concludes, that
tartar-emetic is a quadruple salt, consisting of oxide x>f antimonv,
2 D
210 Materia Medica.
with muriatic acid, rendered soluble by acid of tartar, combined
with an undue proportion of potass, and takes the opportunity of
remarking that he has not found a name in the new nomenclature
expressive of its constituent parts. Such an assertion is easily
made; but Dr. Duncan says that he has repeatedly prepared tar-
tar-emetic perfectly colourless, and in very large and beautiful
crystals, both with the crocus and glass, and that therefore muri-
atic acid, if ever present, must always be considered as an impu-
rity. The glass is perhaps the least objectionable of any, and is
recommended by Gdttling. It always, however, contains about
0.1 of silica. The quantity of water employed must be sufficient
to dissolve the tartar-emetic formed. The time during which the
ebullition is to be continued, is stated differently by different
pharmaceutists. No harm can arise from continuing it longer
than is absolutely necessary; but it is certainly a waste of time
and fuel to protract it for hours. But the circumstance which
renders the tartar-emetic most variable in its effects, is the mode
of crystallization. Some evaporate it to dryness; others to a pel-
licle, and set it aside to crystallize; and others again crystallize
by slow evaporation. On account of the silica which is combined
with the oxide of antimony, and which, being held in solution by
the potass, impedes the crystallization, and varies the nature of
the product, Vauquelin recommends the solution to be first eva-»
porated to dryness, and that the saline mass obtained should be
re-dissolved in boiling water, and then crystallized: for, towards
the end of the first evaporation, the silica separates, and becomes
totally insoluble. In this way, he says, that we obtain, both a
purer salt, and in larger quantity. If we employ an excess of
super-tartrate of potass, part of it will remain undecomposed, and
will crystallize before or along with the tartar-emetic. This
source of impurity is easily avoided by using an excess of the an-
timonial oxide, which remaining undissolved, occasions no error,
and prevents the necessity of throwing away, as the Dublin col-
lege direct, the crystals which form on the filtering paper, if the
solution be saturated.
The primitive form of the crystals of tartrate of antimony and
potass seems to be the regular tetrahedron, but it assumes a vari-
ety of secondary forms. It has a styptic metallic taste. It is so-
luble in three times its weight of water at 212°, and in fifteen at
60°. As this statement of its solubility is very different from that
of most writers, from Bergmann to Fourcroy, who say that it
requires 80 parts of water at 60°, and sometimes less than 40 of
boiling water, it is necessary to mention, that it was ascertained
by careful experiment, with very fine crystals of tartar-emetic,
more than half an inch in length, and perfectly free from the ad-
mixture of any foreign salt. The crystals, by exposure to the air,
become white and opaque, but do not readily fail to powder. The
A. — Antimonium. — Tartris Antimonii. 211
property of deliquescing ascribed to them by Gottling, must have
arisen from the presence of other salts, as he does not prepare his
tartar-emetic by crystallization, but by evaporating the solution to
dryness. The solution of tartar-emetic slightly reddens tincture
of turnsole. It is decomposed by acids, alkalies, alkaline carbo-
nates,sulphuretted hydrogen and its compounds, vegetable juices,
decoctions and infusions, and many of the metals. According to
Thenard, it consists of tartrate of antimony 54, tartrate of pot-
ass 34, water 8, and loss 4; or, oxide of antimony 38, tartaric
acid 34, potass 16, water and loss 12; and by estimation from
the analysis of tartrate of potass, and super-tartrate of potass, by
the same chemist, it appears, that to saturate 38 parts of protoxide
of antimonv, 70.4 of super-tartrate of potass are necessary: the
whole of the superfluous acid, being 16, combines with the oxide,
while 34 of the tartrate of potass combine with the tartrate of an-
timony thus formed, and 20.4 of tartrate of potass remain in so-
lution in the mother water.
We have been thus particular in our account of the prepara-
tion and chemical properties of tartar-emetic, because it is not
only of all the preparations of antimony the most certain in its
operation, but it is almost indispensable for the successful prac-
tice of medicine.
Medical use. — In doses of from one to three grains it operates
as an emetic, and sometimes as a ca hartic. In smaller doses, it
excites nausea, and proves a powerful diaphoretic and expecto-
rant. As an emetic it is chiefly given in the beginning../! levers
and febrile diseases, in chincough, and, in general, whentver we
wish to evacuate the stomach quickly. When great debility is
present, and in the advanced stages of tvphoid fever, its use is im-
proper, and even sometimes fatal. As a diaphoretic it is given in
small doses, of from an eighth to a quarter of a grain; and as an
expectorant in doses still smaller.
The only proper form for exhibiting it is in solution; and as the
intensity of its action on the bodv is liable to variation, from dif-
ferences in its own strength, and in the constitution of the patient,
it should almost always be given in divided doses, at short inter-
vals, if we wish to excite vomiting; and at longer intervals, if we
only wish it to act on the skin or lungs.
Officinal Preparation.
Vinum Tartritis Antimonii, E. L. D. vide Vina Medicata.
212 Materia Medica.
ANTIMONIUM CALCINATUM. L.
Calcined Antimony,
Take of
Antimony, powdered, eight ounces;
Nitre, powdered, two pounds.
Mix them, and project the mixture by degrees into a red hot
crucible. Burn the white matter about hall an hour; and, when
cold, powder it; after which wash it with distilled water.
On touching the ignited crucible, this mixture deflagrates with
a lively white flame; the antimony is oxidized to the maximum,
the sulphur is acidified, and the nitre is decomposed and reduced
to its base. The product of this deflagration is a lemon-coloured,
scorified mass, which, after being washed with water, leaves the
greater part of the oxide of antimony united to about a fifth of its
weight of potass; while the remainder of the oxide, combined
with a much larger proportion of potass, is dissolved in the wa-
ter, along with the sulphate of potass formed, and a small quan-
tity of nitre which has escaped decomposition. The peroxide of
antimony obtained by this process contains about 0.30 oxygen, is
scarcely acted upon by acids, and is capable of forming, with the
alkalies, cry stallizable compounds, enjoying a determinate degree
of solubility. It may therefore be considered as nearly approach-
ing to the state of an acid, and the insoluble residuum of this pro-
cess might be named super-antimonite of potass, and the dissolv-
ed portion, from its different proportions, antimonite of potass.
This is a preparation of no very great activity. It formerly
bore the name of Diaphoretic antimony, from its supposed effect;
but even that was doubted: and since the introduction of James's
powder into general use, it has not been much employed. It may
be given in doses of from five grains to half a drachm.
APIUM PETROSELINUM. Radix. Ed.
Petroselinum. Radix, Semen. L.
Parsley. The root and seed.
Willd. g. 563. sp. 1. Pentandria Digynia. — Nat. ord. Umbellate?.
Parsley is a biennial plant, and a native of the South of Eu-
rope. It is very generally cultivated in this country for culinary
purposes. The seeds have an aromatic flavour, and are occasion-
ally made use of as carminatives. The taste of the root is some-
A.— Aqua. 213
what sweetish, with a light degree of warmth and aromatic fla-
vour, and it possesses gentle diuretic properties.
AQUA— WATER.
Water does not enter the list of materia medica of any of
the colleges, but it is so important an agent both in the cure of
disease, and in the practice of pharmacy, that a brief account of
its varieties and properties can scarcely be considered as super-
fluous.
Hydrogen, combined with oxygen in the proportion of 14.42,
to 85.58, forms water* Water is transparent, colourless, inodo-
rous, and insipid. As water is assumed as the standard, or unity,
in all tables of specific gravity, it is necessary to know that a cubic
inch of it weighs, at 30 inches of the barometer, and 60° ther-
mometer, 252.422 grains. At 32° it exists in a solid form, and
is crystallized. At 212° it expands to 2000 times its bulk, and is
converted into a very elastic vapour. It absorbs small quantities
of the simple gases, especially oxygen. It dissolves several of
the salifiable bases, and in some degree all saline bodies, and is
essential to their crystallization. It is composed and decomposed
in many instances, and its chemical agency is almost universal.
It is the only binary combination of hydrogen with oxygen.*
* Having- already given an account of oxygen, it may be proper here to intro-
duce the chemical properties of hydrogen, the other ingredient of water.
Hdrogen gas is oft (Mi found collected in mines and caverns. It is permanently
elastic and compressible. Its specific gravity is 0.000094, being the lightest bo-
dy with which we are acquainted. It is highly inflammable, and burns in con-
tact with oxygen gas or atmospheric air, and "detonates on the application of a
burning body when mixed with them. It extinguishes flame, and is deleterious
to animal life. It dissolves sulphur, phosphorus and carbon, forming with them
peculiar fetid gases.
Primary Compounds of Hydrogen
A. Binary,
a. With oxygen; water.
b. With nitrogen; ammonia. *+
c With sulphur; sulphuretted hydrogen.
d. With phosphorus; phosphuretted hydrogen.
B. Ternary,
a. With carbon and oxygen;
1. Oxides; hydro-carbonous oxides, vegetable substances.
2. Acids; vegetable acids.
b. With sulphur and oxygen; sulphuretted hydrogen.
C. Quaternary,
With carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen :
1. Animal oxides.
2. ——acids.
214 Materia Medica.
The purest natural water is snow, or rain water, collected
in the open fields; (hat which falls in towns, or is collected from
the roofs of houses, is contaminated with soot, animal effluvia,
and other impurities, although after it has rained for some time,
the quantity of these diminishes so much, that Morveau says
it may be rendered almost perfectly pure by means of a little ba-
rytic water, and exposure to the atmosphere. Rain water, after
it falls, either remains on the surface of the earth, or penetrates
through it until it meets with some impenetrable obstructions to
its progress, when it bursts out at some lower part, forming a
spring or well. The water on the surface of the earth either de-
scends along its declivities in streams, which gradually wearing
channels for themselves, combine to form rivers, which at last
reach the sea; or remain stagnant in cavities of considerable
depth, forming lakes or ponds; or on nearly level ground, form-
ing marshes.
The varieties of spring water are exceedingly numerous; but
they may be divided into the soft, which are sufficiently pure to
dissolve soap, and to answer the purposes of pure water in gene-
ral; the hardy which contain earthy salts and decompose soap,
and are unfit for many other purposes both in domestic economy
and in manufactures;- and the saline, which are strongly impreg-
nated with soluble salts. When spring waters possess any pe-
culiar character, they are called mineral waters. River water is
in general soft, as it is formed of spring water, which by expo-
sure becomes more pure, and running surface water, which al-
though turbid from particles of clay suspended in it, is otherwise
very pure. Lake water is similar to river water. The water of
marshes on the contrary is exceedingly impure, and often highly
fetid, from the great proportion of animal and vegetable matters
which is constantly decaying in them.
Mineral waters derive their peculiarity of character in gene-
ral, either from containing carbonic acid, or soda, not neutrali-
The idea of water being- the only binary combination of hydrogen with oxygen
is in a great measure refuted, by the interesting Galvanic experiments of pro-
fessor Paechioni, who has from them attempted to establish the following facts.
'* 1. Muriatic acid is an oxide of hydrogen, and consequently composed of hy-
drogen and oxygen.
"2. In the oxygenated muriatic acid, and therefore, a fortiori, in muriatic acid,
there is a much less proportion of oxygen than in water.
" 3. Hydrogen is susceptible of very many and different degrees of oxidation, con-
trary to what is universally believed by pneumatic chemists, who assert that
hydrogen is susceptible only of one invariable degree of oxidation, that in which
it forms water."
These experiments having been denied, the superstructure must fall. It is
lately asserted that the base of muriatic acid has been detected, as — ■•-'■ —
See Med. Kepos. No.
(£/• For a more particular account, the reader is referred to the Philadelphia
Medical Museum, Vol. II.
A. — Aqua. 215
zed, sulphuretted hydrogen, purging salts, earthy salts, or iron*
or from their temperature exceeding in a greater or less degree
that of other surrounding bodies. The following are the most
celebrated;
a. Warm springs. — Bath, Bristol, Buxton, Matlock, in
England. Barege, Vichy, &c. in France. Aix-la-Chapelle>
Borset, Baden, Carlsbad, and Toeplitz, in Germany;
and Pisa, Lucca, Baia, and many others in Italy.
b. Carbonated springs. — Pyrmont, Seltzer, Spa, Chelten-
ham, Scarborough.
c. Alkaline. — Carlsbad, Aix-la-Chapelle, Barage, Toeplitz.
d. Sulphureous. — Engheim, Lu, Aix-la-Chapelle, Kilburn,
Harrowgate, Moffat, and many in Italy.
e. Purging. — Sea water, Lemington Priors, Harrowgate,
Lu, Carlsbad, Moffat, Toeplitz, Epsom, Sedlitz, Kil-
burn, and all brackish waters.
f. Calcareous. — Matlock, Buxton, and all hard waters.
g. Chalybeate. — :iartfell, Denmark, Cheltenham, Pyrmont,
Spa, Tunbridge, Bath, Scarborough, Vichy, Carlsbad,
Lemington Priors. *
Medical use. — Water is an essential constituent in the organi-
zation of all living bodies; and as it is continually expended dur-
ing the process of life, that waste must be also continually sup-
plied, and this supply is of such importance that it is not left to
reason or to chance, but forms the object of an imperious appe-
tite. When taken into the stomach, water acts by its tempera-
ture, its bulk, and the quantity absorbed by the lacteals. Water
at about 60° gives no sensation of heat or cold, between 60° and
45° it gives a sensation of cold followed by a glow and increase
of appetite and vigour; below 45 the sensation of cold is perma-
nent and unpleasant, and it acts as an astringent and sedative;
above 60 it excites nausea and vomiting; probably by partially
relaxing the fibres of the stomach, for when mixed with stimu-
lating substances it has not these effects. In the stomach and the
intestines it acts also by its bulk, producing the effects arising
from the distention of these organs, and as the intestinal gases
consist of hydrogen gas, either pure or carbonated, or sulphu-
retted, or phosphuretted, it is probably in part decomposed in
them. It likewise dilutes the contents of the stomach and in-
testines, thus often diminishing their acrimony. It is absorbed
by the lacteals, dilutes the chyle and the blood, increases their
fluidity, lessens their acrimony, and produces plethora ad mo-
* The Editor regrets that the imperfect information vet obtained of the mi-
neral waters of the United States precludes their being mentioned in the pre-
sent edition.
216 Materia Medica.
lem. Its effects in producing plethora and fluidity are however
very transitory, as it at the same time increases the secretion by
the skin and kidneys. Indeed the effects of sudorifics and diu-
retics depend in a great measure on the quantity of water taken
along with them.
Mineral waters have also a specific action depending on the
foreign substances which they contain. It is however necessary to
remark that their effects are in general much greater than might
be expected from the strength of their impregnations, owing
probably to the very circumstance of their great dilution, by
which every particle is presented in a state of activity, while the
lacteals admit them more readily than they would in a less di-
luted state.
Carbonic acid gas gives to the waters which are strongly im-
pregnated with it a sparkling appearance, and an agreeable de-
gree of pungency. In its effects on the body it is decidedly sti-
mulant, and even capable of producing a certain degree of tran-
sient intoxication. It is of great service in bilious complaints,
atony of the stomach, nausea, and vomiting, and in all fevers of
the typhoid type.
Alkaline waters produce also a tonic effect on the stomach, but
they are less grateful. They are particularly serviceable in mor-
bid acidity of the stomach, and in diseases of the urinary organs.
Sulphureous waters are chiefly used in cutaneous and glandu-
lar diseases. Their effects are stimulant and heating, and they
operate by the skin or bowels.
Purging waters derive their effects from the neutral salts they
contain, especially the muriates of soda, lime and magnesia, and
the sulphates of soda and magnesia. They are much more fre-
quently used for a length of time to keep the bowels open by ex-
eiting the natural action, than to produce full purging. Used in
this way, instead of debilitating the patient, they increase his
appetite, health, and strength.
Chalybeate waters are used as tonics. They stimulate consi-
derably, and increase the circulation, but as they also generally
contain neutral salts, they act as gentle laxatives. They are used
in all cases of debility, cachexia, chlorosis, fluor albus, amenor-
rhcea, and in general in what are called nervous diseases.
The external use of water depends almost entirely on its tem-
perature, which may be
1. Greater than that of the body, or above 97° F. The hot
bath.
2. Below the temperature of the body.
a. From 97 to 85, the warm bath.
b. From 85 to 65, the tepid bath,
r. From 65 to 32, the cold bath.
A. — Aqua. 217
The hot bath is decidedly stimulant in its action. It renders
the pulse frequent, the veins turgid, the skin red, the face flushed,
the perspiration quick, increases animal h^at, and produces sweat.
If the temperature be very high, the face becomes bathed in
sweat, the arteries at the neck and temples beat with violence,
anxiety and a sense of suffocation are induced, and if persisted
in, vertigo, throbbing in the head, and apoplexy, are the conse-
quences. It is very rarely employed in medicine, except where
there are hot springs, as at Baden in Switzerland. The Russians
and some other nations use the hot bath as an article of luxury.
The effects of the affusion of hot water have not been decided,
and it is probable that when the heat is not so great as to destroy
the organization of the skin, the Very transient application of the
water would be more than counteracted by the subsequent eva-
poration.
With regard to the action arising from their temperature, all
baths below 97° differ only in degree, as they all ultimately ab-
stract caloric from the surface, but with a force inversely as their
temperature.
The warm bath excites the sensation of warmth, partly because
our sensations are merely relative, and partly because its tem-
perature, though less than that of the internal parts of the body,
is actually greater than that of the extremities which are the chief
organs of touch. But as water being a much better conductor of
caloric than air, and especially than confined air, as much caloric
is abstracted from the body by water, which is only a few de-
grees lower than the internal temperature of the body, as by air
of a much lower temperature. The warm bath diminishes the
frequency of the pulse, especially when it has been previously
greater than natural, and this effect is always in proportion to the
time of immersion. It also renders the respiration slower, and
lessens the temperature of the bodv, relaxes the muscular fibre,
increases the bulk of the fluids by absorption, removes impurities
from the surface, promotes the desquamation and renewal of the
cuticle, and softens the nails and indurations of the skin.
The stimulant power of the warm bath is therefore very incon-
siderable, and its employment in disease will be chiefly indicated
by preternatural heat of the surface and frequency of the pulse,
rigidity of the muscular fibre, and morbid affections of the skin.
It has accordingly been found serviceable in many cases of py-
rexia, both febrile and exanthematous, in many spasmodic dis-
eases, and in most of the impetigines. It is contra-indicated by
difficulty of breathing, and internal organic affections, and should
not be used when the stomach is full.
The affusion of warm water very generally produces a consi-
derable diminution of heat, a diminished frequency of pulse and
respiration, and a tendency to repose and sleep; but its effects are
2 E
218 Materia Medica.
not very permanent, and its stimulus is weak. It is recommend-
ed in febrile diseases depending on the stimulus of preternatural
heat, and in those attended with laborious respiration, and in the
paroxysms of hectic fever.
As the tepid bath and affusion produce effects intermediate
between those of warm and cold water, it is unnecessary to enu-
merate them.
The cold bath produces the sensation of cold, which gradually
ceases, and is succeeded by numbness. It excites tremors in the
skin, and shivering. The skin becomes pale, contracted, and ac-
quires the appearance termed cutis anserina. The fluids are di-
minished in volume; the solids are contracted, the caliber of the
vessels is lessened, and therefore numbness and paleness are in-
duced, and the visible cutaneous veins become smaller. There is
a sense of drowsiness and inactivity, the joints become rigid and
inflexible, and the limbs are affected with pains and spasmodic
contractions. The respiration is rendered quick and irregular;
the pulse slow, firm, regular, and small; the internal heat is at
first diminished, but gradually and irregularly returns nearly to
its natural standard, the extremities, however, continue cold and
numb, or swollen and livid; the perspiration is suppressed, and
the discharge of urine is rendered more frequent and copious. If
the cold be excessive on its application, long continued violent
shiverings are induced, the pulse ceases at the wrist, the motion
of the heart becomes feeble and languid, there is a sensation of
coldness and faintness at the stomach, and a rapid diminution of
animal heat; and at last delirium, torpor, and death, are the con-
sequences. If the application of the cold bath be not carried to an
excessive length, on emerging from the water, the whole body is
pervaded by an agreeable sensation of warmth, and the patient
feels refreshed and invigorated.
The primary action of the cold bath is stimulant, and the de-
gree of this action is in proportion to the lowness of its tempera-
ture. This opinion is indeed directly opposite to a theory of cold
which has been advanced with the confidence of demonstration.
u Heat is a stimulus; cold is the abstraction of heat; therefore
" cold is the abstraction of stimulus, or is a sedative." To this
we might oppose another theory, equally syllogistic, and nearer
the truth; Free caloric is a stimulus, cold is the sensation excited
by the passage of free caloric out of the body, therefore, cold is
a stimulus. But in fact the action of cold is by no means so sim-
ple, but is complicated, and varies according to its intensity, du-
ration, and the state of the system to which it is applied. It acts,
at first, as a stimulant in exciting sensation, then as a tonic in
condensing the living fibre, and lastly, however paradoxical it
may appear, as a sedative, by preventing that distribution of blood
A. — Aqua. — Aquae Destillatae. 219
m the minute and ultimate vessels, which is necessary for the ex-
istence of sensibility and irritability.
The cold bath may be therefore so managed as to procure any
of these effects, by regulating the length of time for which it is
applied. It may be employed in fevers, and febrile paroxysms,
when the heat is steadily above the natural standard, and in many
diseases arising from relaxation and debility. It is contra-indicated
when the heat of the body is below 97°, when there is any nota-
ble perspiration from the surface, when there is general plethora,
and when any internal organ is diseased. Irritable habits should
be defended from the violence of its action, by covering the body
with flannel.
Cold affusion, or the pouring of cold water over the body, is a
very convenient way of applying the cold bath in many cases. In
this way cold is very suddenly applied to the surface, its opera-
tion is instantaneous and momentary, but may be continued by
repeated affusions for any length of time, and so as to produce
its extreme effects. Where the effects of cold affusion may be
thought too severe, spunging the body with cold water, or water
and vinegar may be substituted.*
Pharmaceutical Preparations.
Aquae Destillatae, E. L. D. vide Aqua Destillata:.
It also enters into the composition of the greatest nun
preparations.
AQUiE DESTILLATiE.
DISTILLED WATERS.
Substances which differ in volatility may be separated from
each other by applying a degree of heat capable of converting the
most volatile into vapour, and by again condensing this vapour
in a proper apparatus. Water is converted into vapour at 212°,
and may be separated by distillation from the earthy and saline
matters which it always contains in a natural state. But it is evi-
dent, that if any substances which are as volatile as water, be
exposed to the same degree of heat, either by immersing them in
boiling water, or exposing them to the action of its steam, they
will rise with it in distillation. In this way the camphor and vo-
* For a particular account of the medical use of the cold bath, &c. see the
valuable work of Dr. Currie of Liverpool, on that subject.
220 Materia Medica.
latile oils or vegetable substances are separated from the more
fixed principles; and as water is capable of dissolving a certain
quantity of these volatile substances, it may be impregnated with
a great variety of flavours by distilling it from different aromatic
substances. If the subject of our distillation contain more volatile
oil than the water employed is capable of dissolving, it will ren-
der the water milky, and afterwards separate from it. It is in this
way that essential oils are obtained.
Essential oils are obtained only from odoriferous substances;
but not equally from all of this class, nor in quantity proportional
to their degree of odour. Some, which, if we were to reason
from analogy, should seem very well fitted for this process, yield
extremely little oil, and others none at all. Roses and chamomile
flowers, whose strong and lasting smell promises abundance, are
found to contain but a small quantity of oil: the violet and jessa-
mine flower, which perfume the air with their odour, lose their
smell upon the gentlest coction, and do not afford any oil on be-
ing distilled, unless immense quantities are submitted to the ope-
ration at once ; while savin, whose disagreeable scent extends to
no great distance, gives out the largest proportion of oil of almost
an vegetable known.
Nor are the same plants equally fit for this operation, when
produced in different soils or seasons, or at d ifferent times of their
growth. Some yield more oil if gathered when the flowers begin
to fall off than at any other time. Of this we have examples in
lavender and rue; others, as sage, afford the largest quantity when
young, before they have sent forth any flowers; and others, as
thyme, when the flowers have just appeared. All fragrant herbs
yield a larger proportion of oil, when produced in dry soils and
in warm summers, than in opposite circumstances. On the other
hand, some of the disagreeable strong-scented ones, as worm-
wood, are said to contain most oil in rainy seasons, and when
growing in moist rich grounds.
Several chemists have been of opinion, that herbs and flowers,
moderately dried, yield a greater quantity of essential oil, than if
they were distilled when fresh. It is, however, highly improba-
ble, that the quantity of essential oil will be increased by drying;
on the contrarv, part of it must be dissipated and lost. But dry-
ing may sometimes be useful in other ways; either by diminish-
ing the bulk of the subject to be distilled, or by causing it to part
with its oil more easily.
The choice of proper instruments is of great consequence for
the performance of this process to advantage. There are some
oils which pass freely over the swan-neck of the head of the com-
mon still: others, less volatile, cannot easily be made to rise so
high. For obtaining these last, we would recommend a large low
head, having a rim or hollow canal round it: in this canal, the oil
A. — Aqua. — Aquae Destillatse. £21
is detained in its first ascent, and thence conveyed at once into
the receiver, the advantages of which are sufficiently obvious.
With regard to the proportion of water to be employed; ii
whole plants, moderately dried, are used, or the shavings of wood,
as much of either may be put into the vessel as, lightly pressed,
will occupy half its cavity; and as much water may be added as
will fill two-thirds of it. When fresh and juicy herbs are to be
distilled, thrice their weight of water will be fully sufficient; but
dry ones require a much larger quantity. In general, there should
be so much water, that after all intended to be distilled has come
over, there may be liquor enough left to prevent the matter from
burning to the still. The water and ingredients, altogether, should
never take up more than three-fourths of the still; there should
be liquor enough to prevent any danger of an empyreuma, but
not so much as to be apt to boil over into the receiver.
The subject of distillation should be macerated in the water
until it be perfectly penetrated by it. To promote this effect,
woods should be thinly shaved across the grain, or sawn, roots
cut transversely into thin slices, barks reduced into coarse pow-
der, and seeds slightU bruised. Very compact and tenacious sub-
stances require the maceration to be continued a week or two,
or longer; for those of a softer and looser texture, two or three
days are sufficient; while some tender herbs and flowers not only
stand in no need of maceration, but are even injured by it. The
fermentation which was formerly prescribed in some instances,
is always hurtful.
With regard to the fire, the operator ought to be expeditious
in raising it at first, and to keep it up during the whole process,
to such a degree only, that the oil may freely distil; otherwise
the oil will be exposed to an unnecessary heat; a circumstance
which ought as much as possible to be avoided. Fire communi-
cates to all these oils a disagreeable impregnation, as is evident
from their being much less grateful when newly distilled, than
after they have stood for some time in a cool place: and the longer
the heat is continued, the greater alteration it produces in them.
The greater number of oils require for their distillation the heat
of water strongly boiling: but there are many also which rise
with a heat considerably less; such as those of lemon and citron
peel; of the flowers of lavender and rosemary, and of almost all
the more odoriferous kinds of flowers. We have already observ-
ed, that these flowers have their fragrance much injured, or even
destroyed, by beating or bruising them; it is impaired also by the
immersion in water in the present process, and the more so in
proportion to the continuance of the immersion and the heat;
hence oils, distilled in the common manner, prove much ess
agreeable in smell than the subjects themselves. For the distilla-
tion of substances of this class, another method has been con-
222 Materia Medica.
trived; instead of being immersed in water, they are exposed only
to its vapour. A proper quantity of water being put into the bot-
tom of the still, the odoriferous herbs or flowers are laid lightly
in a basket, of such a size that it may enter into the still, and rest
against its sides, just above the water. The head being then fitted
on, and the water made to boil, the steam, percolating through
the subject, imbibes the oil, without impairing its fragrance, and
carries it over into the receiver. Oils thus obtained, possess the
odour of the subject in an exquisite degree, and have nothing of
the disagreeable scent perceivable in those distilled by boiling
them in water in the common manner.
Plants differ so much, according to the soil and season of
which they are the produce, and likewise according to their own
ages, that it is impossible to fix the quantity of water to be drawn
from a certain weight of them to any invariable standard. The
distillation may always be continued as long as the liquor runs
well flavoured off the subject, but no longer.
In the distillation of essential oils, the water, as was observed
in a foregoing section, imbibes always a part of the oil. The dis-
tilled liquors here treated of, are no other than water thus im-
pregnated with the essential oil of the subject; whatever smell,
taste, or virtue, is communicated to the water, or obtained in
the form of watery liquor, being found in a concentrated state in
the oil.
All those vegetables, therefore, which contain an essential oil,
will give over some virtue to water by distillation: but the de-
gree of the impregnation of the water, or the quantity of water
which a plant is capable of saturating with its virtue, are by no
means in proportion to the quantity of its oil. The oil saturates
only the water that comes over at the same time with it: if there
be more oil than is sufficient for this saturation, the surplus sepa-
rates, and concretes in its proper form, not miscible with the
water that arises afterwards. Some odoriferous flowers, whose
oil is in so small quantity that scarcely any visible mark of it ap-
pears, unless fifty or a hundred pounds or more are distilled at
once, give nevertheless as strong an impregnation to water as
those plants which abound most with oil.
Many have been of opinion, that distilled waters may be more
and more impregnated with the virtues of the subject, and their
strength increased to any assigned degree, by cohobation, that is,
by re-distilling them repeatedly from fresh parcels of the plant.
Experience, however, shows the contrary. A water skilfully
drawn in the first distillation, proves on every repeated one not
stronger but more disagreeable. Aqueous liquors are not capable
of imbibing above a certain quantity of the volatile oil of vegeta-
bles; and this they may be made to take up by one, as well as by
any number of distillations: the oftener the process is repeated.
A. — Aqua. — Aqua? Destillatae. 22S
the ungrateful impression which they generally receive from the
fire, even at the first time, becomes greater and greater.
Those plants, which do not yield at first waters sufficiently
strong, are not proper subjects for this process.
The mixture of water and oil which comes over, may either be
separated immediately by means of a separatory, or after it has
been put into large narrow-necked bottles, and placed in a cool
place, that the portion of oil which is not dissolved in the water
mav rise to the top, or sink to the bottom, according to its spe-
cific gravity. It is then to be separated, either by a separatory; by
means of a small glass syringe; a filter of paper; or, lastly, by
means of a woollen thread, one end of which is immersed in the
oil, and the other 1 : end in a phial: the oil will thus pass over
into the phial b) Capillary attraction, and the thread is to be
squ *:' Iry.
Most distilled waters, when first prepared, have a somewhat
unpleasant smell, which, however, they gradually lose: it is there-
fore advisable to keep them for some days after their preparation
in vessels but slightly covered; and not to cork them up until
they lose that smell.
That the waters may keep the better, about one-twentieth part
their weight of proof-spirit may be added to each after they are
distilled. A respectable apothecary informed Dr. Duncan, that if
the simple distilled waters be rectified by distilling them a second
time, they will keep for several years without the addition of any
spirit, which always gives an unpleasant flavour, and is often ob-
jectionable for other reasons.
Distilled waters are employed chiefly as grateful diluents, as
suitable vehicles for medicines of greater efficacv, or for render-
ing disgustful ones more acceptable to the palate and stomach:
few are depended on, with any intention of consequence, by
themselves.
To the chapter on Simple Distilled Waters, the London col-
lege has annexed the following remarks.
We have ordered most of the waters to be distilled from the dried
herbs, because fresh are not ready at all times of the year.
Whenever the fresh are used, the weights are to be increased.
But, whether the fresh or dried herbs be employed, the ope-
rator may vary the weight according to the season in which
they have been produced and collected.
Herbs and seeds kept beyond the space of a year, become less
proper for the distillation of waters.
To every gallon of these waters add five ounces, by measure, of
proof spirit.
The Edinburgh college order half an ounce of proof spirit to
every pound of the water? which is nearly the same.
224 Materia Medica.
But the Dublin college order five ounces of proof spirit to be
added to each pound, which is probably a typographical error.
AQUA DESTILLATA. E. L. D.
Distilled Water.
Let water be distilled in very clean vessels, until about two-thirds
have come over. (E.)
Water is never found pure in a state of nature; and as it is
absolutely necessary, particularly for many chemical operations,
that it should be perfectly so, we must separate it from all hetero-
geneous matters by distillation. The first portion that comes over
should be thrown away, not so much from the possibility of its
being impregnated with volatile matters contained in the water,
as from the probability thatit will be contaminated with impurities-
it may have contracted in its passage through the worm in the re-
frigeratory. The distillation is not to be pushed too far, lest the
water should acquire an empyreumatic flavour.
Although distilled water be necessary for many purposes, we
apprehend that the London college, from a desire of extreme
elegance, have fallen Into a very considerable error in ordering it
to be employed for many purposes, such as infusions and decoc-
tions, for which good spring water would answer just as well,
and for which, we will venture to say, that it never is employed
by the apothecary. The consequence is, that the apothecary has
no rule to direct him, when it is absolutely necessary, and when
it may be dispensed with, and he will therefore probably dispense
with it oftener than is proper.
AQUA CITRI AURANTII. Ed.
Orange-Peel Water.
Take of
Fresh orange-peel, two pounds.
Pour upon it as much water as shall be sufficient to prevent any
empyreuma, after ten pounds have been drawn off by.distilla~
tion. After due maceration, distil ten pounds.
A. — Aqua Fceniculi Dulcis. 225
AQUA FOENICULI DULCIS. L. D.
Fennel Water.
Take of
The bruised seeds of sweet fennel, one pound;
Water, as much as may be sufficient to prevent empyreuma.
Distil one gallon (ten pounds, D.)
The same quantity of water is to be distilled in the same man-
ner from
Six pounds of the recent petals of the Damask
Rose, Aqua Rosce Centifolice. E.
Aqua Rosa. L. D.
Three pounds, Ed.; one pound and a half, L. D.
of Peppermint, Aqua Meat hoe Piperita:. E.
Aqua Menthce Piperitidis. L. D.
Three pounds, Ed.; one pound and a half, L. Tk
of Pennyroyal, in flower,
Aqua Menthce Pule gii. E.
Aqua Pulegii. L. D.
Two pounds of fresh Lemon Peel,
Aqua Citri Medic ce. E.
One pound and a half of Spearmint,
Aqua Menthce Sativce. D. L.
One pound of Cinnamon, (macerated for a day, L. D.)
Aqua Lauri Cinnamomi. E.
Aqua Cinnamomi. L. D.
One pound of Cassia, Aqua Lauri Cassia. E.
One pound of bruised Dill Seeds,
Aqua Anethi. L.
Haifa pound of Pimento, (macerated for a day, L.)
Aqua Myrti Phnentce. E.
Aqua Pimento. L.
The virtues of all these waters are nearlyalike; and the peculia-
rities of each will be easily understood by consulting the account
given of the substance from which they are prepared. Mr. Ni-
cholson mentions, that as rose water is exceedingly apt to spoil,
2F
226 Materia Medica.
the apothecaries generally prepare it in small quantities at a time
from the leaves, preserved by packing them closely in cans with
common salt. This we understand is not the practice in Edin-
burgh, and indeed cannot succeed with the petals of the damask
rose, for they lose their smell by drying. The London apothe-
caries, therefore, probably use the red rose. The spoiling of
some waters is owing to some mucilage carried over in the
distillation; for, if rectified by a second distillation, they keep
perfectly.
ARALIA SPINOSA.
Angelica tree, Prickly Ash, Tooth-ach tree*
In the second volume of the Philadelphia Medical Museum
p. 161, Dr. Mease recommends a watery infusion of the inner
bark and root to remove the pains of chronic rheumatism. It is
considerably acrimonious, and affects the salivary glands. A
weak infusion proves sudorific, and does not nauseate, which a
strong one generally does.
A tincture of the berries has been successfully applied to ob-
viate the aching of decayed teeth.
ARALIA NUDICAULIS.
Dr. Mease, in the second volume of the Philadelphia Medi-
cal Museum, recommends the roots as a substitute for sarsaparilla.
A watery infusion, he tells us, is employed in some parts of
this country for the shingles.
It is useful also as a tonic, in a relaxed state of the stomach
with loss of appetite.
ARBUTUS UVA URSI. Folia. Ed.
Uva Ursi. Folia. L. D.
Whortleberry. The leaves.
Willd. g. 871, sp. 7. — Decandria Monogynia. — Nat.ord.Bicornes.
This is a very small evergreen shrub. The leaves are oval, not
toothed, and their under surface is smooth and pale green. It
grows wild in the woods, and on sand hills in Scotland, and in
almost every country in Europe. It is also abundant in Ame-
A. — Arctium Laprra. 321
rica. The taste of the leaves is astringent, followed by bitter*
ness. Digested in alcohol they give out a green tincture, which
is rendered turbid by water, and when filtered, passes transpa-
rent and yellow, while a green resin remains on the filter. They
are powerfully astringent, approaching in the deepness of the
colour which they give to red sulphate of iron, more nearly to
nutgalls than anv substance Dr. Duncan tried. Indeed in some
parts of Russia they are used for tanning.
Medical use, — The medical effects of this medicine depend*
entirely on its astringent and tonic powers. It is therefore use-
ful in various fluxes arising from debility, menorrhagia, fluor al-
bu3, cystirrhcea, diabetes, enuresis, diarrhoea, dysentery, &c. It
has been strongly recommended in diseases of the urinary organs
by De Haen, particularly in ulcerations of the kidneys and blad-
der. It certainly alleviates the dyspeptic symptoms accompany-
ing nephritic complaints. It is commonly given in the form of
powder, in doses of from 20 to 60 grains, three or four times a
day.
Dr. Barton thinks it is peculiarly adapted to cases of nephritis
depending upon gout, and he says he has known it to be useful
even when it was ascertained that a calculus was present. Its use
he thinks facilitates the expulsion of calculous granules through
the urethra. In some cases of nephritis, how ever, he adds, uva
ursi seems to increase the irritation which it so generally
relieves.*
ARCTIUM LAPPA. Radix. Ed.
Bardana. Radix. L. D.
Burdock. The root.
Syngenesia Polygamia JEquaiis. Nat. ord. Composita- Capitate*
This is a perennial plant, which grows wild in uncultivated
places. The seeds have a bitterish subacrid taste: they are recom-
mended as very efficacious diuretics, given either in the form of
emulsion, or in powder, to the quantity of a drachm. The roots
taste sweetish, with a slight austerity and bitterishness: they are
esteemed aperient, diuretic, and sudorific; and are said to act
without irritation, so as to be safely ventured upon in acute dis-
orders. Decoctions of them have of late been used in rheumatic,
gouty, venereal, and other disorders: and are preferred by some
to those of sarsaparilla.
* For further observations, see Dr. John S. Mitchell's inaugural dissertation
on the Arbutus Uva Ursi, &c. published at Philadelphia in 180".
.228 Materia Medica.
ARGENTUM—JRGEJVrUM. E. L. Silver.
Argentum in Laminas Extensum. D.
Silver Leaf.
D. Zilver. P. Praia.
DA. Zolv. POL. Srebro.
F. Argent. R. Serebro.
G. Silber. S. Plata.
I. Argento. SW. Silfver.
Silver is very brilliant, white, insipid, inodorous; specific gra-
vity 10.474 to 11.091; hardness between iron and gold; elasticity
between gold and copper; has a strong acute sound; of conside-
rable ductility and tenacity; hardening much under the hammer; a
good conductor of electricity, caloric, and galvanism; fusible at
28° Wedgewood; crystallizable by cooling; unalterable in the air;
changed into a greenish oxide by long and violent heat, burning
with a greenish flame, and instantly by the electric shock. Its
phosphuret is granulated, brittle and fusible; its sulphuret grey,
black, lamellated or striated and fusible; it unites but slightly
with the acidifiable metals and iron; is hardened by gold, bis-
muth, antimony, tin, lead, and copper, and amalgamates with
mercury. It is oxidized, and dissolved by the sulphuric, sulphur-
ous, nitric,*and oxy-muriatic acids. Its oxide is greenish; redu-
cible by light and heat, hydrogen, and the other metals; it
colours some glasses of an olive green, and is very soluble in
ammonia.
Silver is found,
I. In its metallic state:
1. Pure.
2. Alloyed with gold. Auriferous silver ore.
3. antimony.
4. ■ iron and arsenic.
5. bismuth.
II. Combined with sulphur:
1. Sulphuretted silver. Vitreous silver ore.
2. with antimony, iron, arsenic, and
copper. Black or brittle silver ore.
3. : with copper and antimony. Black
silver ore.
4. Sulphuretted silver with lead and antimony. White
silver ore.
A. — Argentum — Nitras Argenti. 229
HI. Oxidized:
1. Combined with carbonic acid and antimony.
2. muriatic acid.
a. Corneous silver ore,
b. Earthy silver ore,
r. Sooty silver ore.
3. Combined with sulphur and oxide of antimony. Red
silver ore.
4. molybdic acid.
Officinal Preparation.
Nitras Argenti, E. L. D.
NITRAS ARGENTI; olim, Causticum Lunare. Ed:
Nitrate of Silver, formerly Lunar Caustic.
Argentum Nitratum. L. D.
Nitrated Silver.
Take of
Purest silver, flatted into plates, and cut in pieces, four ounces;
Diluted nitrous acid, eight ounces;
Distilled water, four ounces.
Dissolve the silver in a phial with a gentle heat, and evaporate
the solution to dryness. Then put the mass into a large crucible
and place it on the fire, which should at first be gentle, and af-
terwards increased by degrees till the mass flows like oil; then
pour it into iron-pipes, previously heated and anointed with
tallow. Lastly, keep it in a glass-vessel well shut. (E. D.)
The Edinburgh and Dublin colleges use equal weights of sil-
ver and acid. The London college uses double the quantity of
acid. The fact is, that nitrous acid is capable of dissolving more
than half its weight of silver. Therefore, in the one case, a por-
tion of silver will be left undissolved; and, in the other, there will
be an excess of acid, which, however, will be expelled by the heat
necessary to bring the salt to a state of dryness. During the so-
lution the metal is oxidized by the decomposition of part of the
acid, while the nitrous gas disengaged at first dissolves in the acid,
and gives it a green colour, which, however, disappears when
the heat is increased so as to expel the gas. The acid employed
must be very pure. If it contain, as the acid of commerce always
does, sulphuric or muriatic acid, these re-act upon the nitrate as
soon as it is formed, and a white precipitate, consisting of sul-
phate and muriate of silver, falls to the bottom.
230 Materia Medka.
The method which the refiners employ for examining the pu-
rity of their aquafortis (the name they give to diluted nitrous
acid), and purifying it if necessary, is to let fall into it a few
drops of a solution of nitrate of silver already made: if the liquor
remain clear, and grow not in the least turbid or whitish, it is fit
for use; otherwise, they add a small quantity more of the solution,
which immediately turns the whole to a milky white colour; the
mixture being then suffered to rest for some time, deposits a
white sediment; from which it is cautiously decanted, examined
again, and, if necessary, farther purified by a fresh addition of
this solution.
It is necessary to employ very pure water in this process, for
the muriates and earthy salts which common water generally
contain, precipitate part of the silver in the state of a muriate
or oxide. If distilled water be not used, the water should be
added to the acid before it be tried and purified by the nitrate
of silver.
The solution will go on the more speedily, if the silver, flatted
into thin plates, be rolled loosely up, so that the several surfaces
do not touch each other. By this management, a greater extent
of the surface is exposed to the action of the menstruum, than
when the plates are cut in pieces and laid above each other. If
the silver be alloyed with copper, the solution will have a per-
manent greenish blue colour, and acquire a bright blue on the
addition of ammonia. If it contain gold, the gold is not dissolved,
but is found at the bottom of the solution, in the form of a black
or deep purple powder.
The crucible ought to be of silver or porcelain; as, with the
common crucibles, the loss arising from the nitrate of silver
sinking into their substance is too great. It ought also to be large
enough to hold five or six times the quantity of the dry matter;
for it bubbles and swells up greatly, so as otherwise to be apt to
run over. During this time, also, little drops are now and then
spirted up; whose causticity is increased by their heat, against
which the operator ought therefore to be on his guard. The fire
must be kept moderate till this ebullition ceases, and till the mat-
ter becomes consistent in the heat that made it boil before: then
quickly increase the fire till the matter flows thin at the bottom
like oil, on which it is to be immediately poured into the mould;
for if the heat be continued after this, the nitrate of silver begins
to be decomposed, and the silver is reduced.
In want of a proper iron mould, one may be formed of temper-
ed tobacco pipe clay, not too moist, by making, in a lump of it,
with a smooth stick first greased, as many holes as there is occa-
sion for: pour the liquid matter into these cavities, and when
congealed take it out by breaking the mould/ Each piece is to be
wiped clean from the grease, and wrapt up in soft dry paper, not
A. — Argentum. — Nitras Argenti. 231
only to keep the air from acting upon it, but likewise to pre-
vent its corroding or discolouring the fingers in handling.
Nitrate of silver is crystallizable. Its crystals are brilliant
plates, having a variable number of sides. Their taste is austere,
and intensely bitter. They are very soluble in water, but perma-
nent in the air, and not deliquescent. They are decomposed by
heat, light, phosphorus, charcoal, many metals, all the alkalies
and earths, sulphuric, muriatic, phosphoric and fluoric acids, and
by the salts they form. When deprived of water, and melted ac-
cording to the directions of the colleges, it forms a black or dark
grey coloured mass, which, when broken, appears to consist of
radii, diverging from the centre. It is not deliquescent when free
from copper, which is seldom the case. It may, however, be pre-
pared perfectly pure, even from a solution containing copper, by
evaporating and crystallizing it as long as it furnishes firm tabu-
lar crystals. These are then to be washed with a little distilled
water, and melted with a gentle heat. The nitrate of copper re-
mains in the mother water, and the silver, which it contains, may
be precipitated with muriatic acid.
Medical use, — A strong solution of nitrate of silver corrodes
and decomposes animal substances; in a more diluted state it
stains them of an indelible black; and for this purpose it is now
much used as an indelible marking ink.* The fused nitrate of
silver is the strongest and most manageable caustic we possess,
and is employed to remove fungous excrescences, callous edges,
warts, strictures in the urethra, and the like. It is also used to
destroy the venereal poison in chancres, before it has acted on
the system. A weak solution of it may be applied as a stimulus
to indolent ulcers, or injected into fistulous sores.
Notwithstanding its causticity, it has been given internally.
Boerhaave, Boyle, and others, commend it highly in hvdropic
cases. The iormer assures us, that made into pills with crumb of
bread and a little sugar, and taken on an empty stomach (some
warm water sweetened with honev being drank immediately af-
ter), it purges gently without griping, and brings away a large
quantity of water, almost without the patient's perceiving it: that
it kills worms and cures many inveterate ulcerous disorders. He
nevertheless cautions against using it too freely, or in too large
a dose; and observes, that it always proves corrosive and weaken-
ing to the stomach.
It has been more recently employed, and with success, in epi-
lepsy and angina pectoris. On account of its very great activity,
each pill should not contain above one-eighth or one-fourth of a
grain.
* See a preparation of one, by professor Woodhous>f\ Philadelphia Mtdiral
Museum, vol. I.
232 Materia Medica.
ARISTOLOCHIA SERPENTARIA. Radix. Ed.
Serpentaria Virginiana. L. D.
Virginia Snake-root. The Root.
Gynandria, Hexandria. — Nat. ord. Sarmentosce.
This is a small, light, bushy root, consisting of a number of
strings or fibres matted together, issuing from one common head;
of a brownish colour on the outside, and paler or yellowish within.
It has an aromatic smell, like that of valerian, but more agreeable:
and a warm, bitterish, pungent taste, very much resembling that
of camphor. Treated with alcohol, it affords a bright green tinc-
ture, which is rendered turbid by water; by filtration a small por-
tion of a green matter is separated, but its transparency is not re-
stored. It neither precipitates tannin or gelatin, nor affects the
salts of iron or tincture of turnsole. When the diluted tincture is
distilled, the spirit and tincture pass over milky, strongly impreg-
nated with its peculiar flavour.
Medical use. — Its virtues are principally owing to the essential
oil with which it abounds. Its general action is heating and sti-
mulant; its particular effects, to promote the discharge by the
skin and urine. In its effects it therefore coincides with camphor,
but seems to be a more permanent stimulus.
It is recommended,
1. In intermittent fevers, especially when the paroxysms do
not terminate by sweating; and to assist the action of Pe-
ruvian ark in obstinate cases.
2. In typhus, and in putrid diseases, to support the vis vit<zy
and to excite- gentle diaphoresis.
3. In exanthematous diseases, when the fever is of the ty-
phoid type, to support the action of the skin, and keep out
the eruption.
4. In gangrene. Externally it is used as a gargle in the pu-
trid sore throat.
It is exhibited,
1. In powder, which is the best form, in doses of twenty or
thirty grains.
2. In infusion with wine or water. By decoction its powers
are ti'tirely destroyed.
It is often combined with Peruvian bark, or with camphor.*
* Professor Barton says the root of the aristolochia sipho of L'Heritier, which
grows in various parts of the United States, is, for certain purposes, perhaps
preferable to the common snake root.
A. — Arnica Montana. 25*3
Officinal Preparavioxs.
Tinctura Aristolochioe Serpentarise, E. L. D. vide Tinctures*
Cinchonse composite, L. B. - Idem,
Electuarium Opiatum, E. Electuaria,
Cataplasma Cumini, L. - - Cataplasmat'al
ARNICA MONTANA. Flores, Radix, Herba, E. L. D.
German Leopards-bane, The flower, herb, and root,
Syngenesia Polygamic, superflua.—~N,dt. ord. Composites radiates*
Leopards-bane is a very common perennial plant in the al-
pine parts of Germany, Sweden, Lapland, and Switzerland. The
flowers, which are of a yellow colour and compound, consisting
entirely of tubular florets, are distinguished from similar flowers,
with which they are often mixed, from ignorance or fraud, by the
common calyx, which is shorter than the florets, and consists en-
tirely of lancet- shaped scales, lying parallel and close to each
other, of a green colour, with purple points. The calyx of the
different species of Inula are composed of bristle-shaped scales,
reflected at the points, and beset with hairs. The florets of the
genus Hypochaeris are strap-shaped.
These flowers have a weak bitterish taste, evidently combined
with a degree of acrimony, and when rubbed with the fingers,
have a somewhat aromatic smell. Their active constituents are
not sufficiently ascertained. They evidently contain a great deal
of resin, and some essential oil.
Medical use, — In their effects they are stimulating, and sup-
posed to be discutient. In small doses, and propeily administer-
ed, they possess very beneficial effects, in raising the pulse, in
exciting the action of the whole sanguiferous system, in checking
diarrhoeas, in promoting expectoration, and, most particularly, in
removing paralytic affections of the voluntary muscles; but their
use is frequently attended with no sensible operation, except
that in some cases of paralysis, the cure is said to be preceded by
a peculiar prickling, and by shooting pains in the affected parts.
When given improperly, or in too large doses, they excite an in-
supportable degree of anxiety, shooting and burning pains, and
even dangerous haemorrhagies, vomiting, vertigo, and coma.
For these dangerous symptoms, vinegar is said to be the best
remedy.
They have been recommended,
1. In paralytic disorders, in chronic rheumatism, in reten-
tion of the urine from paralysis of the bladder, in amau-
rosis.
2G
234 Materia Medica.
2. In intermittent fevers, combined with Peruvian bark.
3. In dysentery and diarrhoea, but in some cases they have
had bad effects.
4. In putrid diseases.
5. In typhoid inflammations.
6. To promote the uterine discharge.
7. And in internal pains, and congestions from bruises. In
the countries where they are indigenous, the flowers of
the leopards-bane have long been a popular remedy in
these accidents.
They are contra-indicated by an inflammatory diathesis, a pre-
disposition to hsemorrhagies, and internal congestions.
They are best exhibited in the form of infusion. One or two
scruples may be infused with half a pound of water, and drunk at
proper intervals. The flowers should be wrapt up in a piece of
linen, as otherwise their down is apt to be diffused in the liquid,
and to cause violent irritation of the throat.
The dried root of this plant is about the thickness of a small
quill, and sends out fibres along one side. Externally it is rough,
and of a red-brown colour, internally of a dirty white. Its taste
is acrid, and slightly bitter. Neumann extracted from 960 parts,
840 watery extract, and 5 alcoholic, and inversely 270 alcoholic,
and 540 watery.
Medical use. — It is exhibited in the same manner and circum-
stances as the flowers, but it is more apt to excite vomiting. In
powder its dose is from five to ten grains.
ARSENICUM— ARSENIC.
D. Arsenik, Rottekruid. P. Arsenica.
DA. Arsenik, Rottekrud. POL. Arsenik.
F. Arsenic, Poudreaux rats. R. Muschjak.
G. Arsenik. S. Arsenico.
I. Arsenico. SW. Arsenik, Rotfiulver.
Arsenic consists of grey plates of a lively brightness; friable;
specific gravity between 8.310 and 5.703; vaporizable at 540°;
emitting a smell like garlic; crystallizable; oxidizable in the cold
air; inflammable at a red heat, and sublimed in the form of the
white oxide or acid; farther oxidizable by the nitric and nitrous
acids; combines with phosphorus, sulphur, and many of the me-
tals; soluble in hydrogen gas.
A. — Arsenicum. 2^5
Arsenic is found,
I. In its metallic state:
1. Alloyed with iron. Native arsenic.
2. iron and gold.
3. cobalt.
4. Combined with iron and sulphur. Arsenical pyrites.
5. Combined with iron, sulphur and silver. White arsenical
pyrites.
II. Oxidized:
1. Uncombined. White oxide of arsenic. Arsenious acid.
2. Combined with sulphur:
a. Oxide of arsenic 90, sulphur 10, Orpiment. Yellow
sulphuretted arsenic.
b. Oxide of arsenic 84, sulphur 16, Realgar. Red sul-
phuretted arsenic.
III. Acidified and combined;
1. With lime.
2. With copper.
3. With iron.
4. With lead.
5. With nickel.
6. With cobalt.
OXIDUM ARSENICI. Ed.
Oxide of Arsenic, (Arsenious acid, Fourcroy.)
This substance, which was formerly named, improperly, ar-
senic, is most generally obtained in the process of roasting the
ores of cobalt in Saxony. The roasting is performed in a kind of
reverberatory furnace, with which a very long chimney is con-
nected, lying in a horizontal direction. The arsenious acid is
condensed in it in the form of a loose grey powder, which, by a
second sublimation with a little potass, and in a great degree of
heat, coalesces into a firm vitreous sublimate, which gradually
becomes opaque by exposure to the air. In this state it is the
white arsenic of commerce, or, as it should be termed, the ar-
senious acid.
For internal use, the lumps of a shining appearance and daz-
zling whiteness should be chosen; but it is generally offered for
sale in the form of powder, which is very often mixed with chalk
or gypsum. The fraud is easily detected by exposing it to heat.
The arsenious acid is entirely sublimed, and. the additions remain
behind.
236 Materia Afedica.
As this substance is one of the most virulent poisons we shall
give a full account of its properties. It is white, compact, brittle,
and of a glassy appearance. Its taste is sweetish, but acrid, and
slow in manifesting itself. Its specific gravity 3.706. It sublimes
entirely when exposed to 283° Fahrenheit. When the operation
is performed in close vessels, the arsenious acid assumes a glassy
appearance, which it soon loses on exposure to the air. Its spe-
cific gravity now becomes 5.000. It consists of 75 of arsenic, and
25 of oxygen. In open vessels it sublimes in dense white fumes,
smelling strongly of garlic. If a plate of copper be exposed to
the fumes, it is whitened. Arsenious acid is soluble in 80 parts
of water at 60°, and in 15 at 212°. This solution has an acrid
taste, and reddens vegetable blues. It is also soluble in 80 parts
of boiling alcohol. From either solution it may be obtained regu-
larly crystallized in tetrahedrons. From ns solutions a grass-
green precipitate is separated by a solution of sulphate of iron, a
white precipitate by lime-water, and a yellow precipitate by any
of the combinations of an alkali with sulphur, or with sulphur
and hydrogen. All these precipitates, when exposed to a sufficient
temperature, sublime entirely, and emit the smell of garlic^
The arsenates are scarcely known; but their acid is driven off
by heat, and is precipitated by all the acids.
When treated with nitric acid, the arsenious acid is converted
into arsenic acid.
Arsenic acid consists of arsenious acid and oxygen. It is not
crystaHizable; has an ?xid caustic taste, and is not volatile, but
very fixed and vitrifiable. Its specific gravity is 3.391. It attracts
moisture from the atmosphere, and is soluble in two-thirds of its
weight of water. By a red heat it loses part of its oxygen, and
becomes arsenious acid. It consists of 8 parts of arsenious acid,
and 1 of oxygen, or of 65 arsenic, and 35 oxygen.
The arseniatcs are decomposed by charcoal at a high tempe-
rature.
By far the surest test of the presence of arsenic, is its reduc-
tion by carbonaceous substances.
With this view, a small quantity of any suspected substance
may be mixed with some fatty or oily matter, and introduced
within a tube closed at the bottom, and exposed to a red heat; if
arsenic be present in any state, it will be sublimed in the form of
brilliant metallic scales.
Arsenious acid is used by the dyers; as a flux in glass-making,
in docimastic works, and in some glazes. Arsenious sulphurets
are much used by painters, but these advantages are not able to
compensate for its bad effects. In mines, it causes the destruction
of numbers who explore them; being very volatile, it forms a
dust, which affects and destroys the lungs, and the unhappy
miners, after a languishing life of a few years, all perish sooner
A. — Arsenicum, 237
or later. The property which it possesses of being soluble in wa-
ter, increases and facilitates its destructive power; and it ought
to be proscribed in commerce, by the strict law which prohibits
the sale of poisons to unknown persons. Arsenious acid is every
day the instrument by which victims are sacrificed, either by the
hand of wickedness or imprudence. It is often mistaken for su-
gar; and these mistakes are attended with the most dreadful con-
sequences. The svmptoms which characterize this poison are, a
great constriction of the throat, the teeth set on edge, and the
mouth stronglv heated, an involuntary spitting, with <-xtn me
pains in the stomach, vomiting of glareous and bloody matter,
with cold sweats and convulsions.
On dissection, the stomach and bowels are found to be in-
flamed, gangrenous and corroded, and the blood is flui i. Soon
after death, livid spots appear on the surface of the body, the
nails become blue, and often fall off along with the hair, the epi-
dermis separates, and the whole body becomes very speedily
putrid. When the quantity is so very small as not to prove fa-
tal, tremors, palsies, and lingering hectics succeed.
Mucilaginous drinks have been long ago given to persons
poisoned by arsenic. Milk, fat, oils, and butter, have been suc-
cessively emplo\ ed. Mr. Navicr has proposed a more direct
counterpoison. He prescribes one drachm of sulphuret of potass
to be dissolved in a pint of water, which the patient is directed
to drink at several draughts: the sulphur unites to the arsenic,
and destroys its causticity and effects. When the first symptoms
are alleviated, he advises the use of sulphureous mineral warers.
He likewise appvoves the use of milk, but condemns oils. Vine-
gar which dissolves arsenic, has been recommended by M. Sage,
but upon what grounds we know not.
Acconiing to Hahneman a solution of soap is the best remedy.
One pound of soap may be dissolved in four pounds of water,
and a cupful of this solution may be drunk lukewarm every three
or four minutes.
Medical use. — Notwithstanding, however, the very violent ef-
fects of arsenious acid, it has been emploved in the cure of dis-
eases, both as applied externally, and as taken internally. Extern
nally it has been chiefly emploved in cases of cancer.
Justamond used an ointment composed of four grains of white
oxide of arsenic, ten grains of opium, and a drachm of cerate,
and spread very thin upon linen. But its action is tedious. He
also fumigated cancerous sores with sulphuret of arsenic, with a
view to destroy their intolerable fetor, with great success. Le
Febure washed cancerous sores frequently, in the course of the
day, with a solution of four grains of arsenious acid in two
pounds of water. Arneman recommends an ointment of one
"drachm of arsenious acid, the same quantity of sulphur, an ounce
238 Materia Medica.
of distilled vinegar, and an ounce of ointment of white oxide of
lead, in cancerous, and obstinate, ill-conditioned sores, and in
suppurated scrofulous glands. The arsenious acid has even been
applied in substance, sprinkled upon the ulcer. But this mode 01
using it is excessively painful, and extremely dangerous. There
have been even fatal effects produced from its absorption.
The principal thing to be attended to in arsenical applications,
is to diminish their activity to a certain degree. They then cause
little irritation or pain, but rather excite a gentle degree of in-
flammation, which causes the diseased parts to slough off; and
it has the peculiar advantage of not extending its operation la-
terally.
No other escharotic possesses equal powers in cancerous af-
fections; but unfortunately its good effects often do not go beyond
a certain length, and if in some cases it effects a cure, in others
it must be allowed it does harm. While it has occasioned very
considerable pain, it has given the parts no disposition to heal,
the progress of the ulceration becoming even more rapid than
before.
Arsenical preparations have been also used internally.
ARSENIAS KALI. Dub.
Arseniate of Kali.
Take of
White oxide of arsenic,
Nitrate of kali, of each one ounce.
Reduce them separately to powder; and, after mixing them, in-
troduce them into a glass retort, placed in a sand bath, which
is to be gradually heated, until the bottom of the retort becomes
obscurely red. It is of advantage to transmit the vapours issu-
ing from the retort, by means of a proper apparatus, through
distilled water, that the nitrous acid extricated by the heat
may be condensed. Dissolve the residuum in four pounds
of boiling distilled water; and, after due evaporation, set it
aside to crystallize.
The use of this medicine in the cure of diseases has been
lately extended to certain cases of protracted rheumatism,
where the vital powers are much diminished, and the ends of the
bones, periosteum, capsules, and ligaments, affected. It has been
thus used for some time in Dumfries-shire, and has lately been
recommended to further trials by Dr. Bardsley. The dose he
uses is five drops of Fowler's solution (arsenite of potass) three
times a day.
A. — Arsenicum. 239
Arsenic may be exhibited in the form,
1. Of arsenious acid dissolved in distilled water, in the pro-
portion of four grains to a pint. A table spoonful of this
solution, mixed with an equal quantity of milk, and a lit-
tle syrup of poppies is directed to be taken every morning
fasting, and the frequency of the dose gradually increased
until six table spoonfuls be taken daily. M. Le Febure's
method of curing cancer.
2. Of arsenite of potass. Sixty-four grains of arsenious acid,
with an equal quantity of carbonate of potass, are to be
boiled together until the arsenious acid is dissolved,
when as much water is to be added as will increase
the solution to one pound. Of this, from two to twelve
drops may be given once, twice, or oftener, in the course
of a day. Dr. Fowler's method of curing intermittent
fever.
3. Of arseniate of potass. Mix well together equal quanti-
ties of nitrate of potass, and of pure arsenious acid; put
them into a retort, and distil at first with a gentle heat,
but afterwards with so strong a heat as to redden the
bottom of the retort. In this process the nitric acid is
partly decomposed, and passes over into the receiver in
the state of nitrous acid. The arsenious acid is at the
same time converted into arsenic acid, and combines
with the potass. The product, which is arseniate of pot-
ass, is found in the bottom of the retort, which may be
obtained in the form of crystals of a prismatic figure, by
dissolving it in distilled water, filtering the solution
through paper, evaporating and crystallizing. Mr.
Macquer.
4. Arsenious acid, in substance, to the extent of an eighth of
a grain for a dose, combined with a little of the flowers of
sulphur, has been said to be employed internally in some
very obstinate cases of cutaneous diseases, and with the
best effect.
240 Materia Medka.
ARTEMISIA.
Syngenesia Polygamia superfiua, — Nat. ord. Composite discoidea,
ARTEMISIA ABROTANUM.
Abrotanum. Folium, L.
Southernwood. The leaves.
This is a perennial shrub, which grows readily in our gardens,
though a native of the south of Europe.
Southernwood has a strong smell, which, to most people, is not
disagreeable; it has a pungent, bitter, and somewhat nauseous,
taste. These qualities are very completely extracted by alcohol,
and the tincture is of a beautfful green colour. They are less
perfectly extracted by watery liquors, the infusion being of a light
brown colour.
Medical use, — Southernwood, as well as other species of the
same genus, particularly the absinthium and santonica, has been
recommended as an anthelmintic; and it has also been sometimes
used as a stimulant, detergent, and sudorific. Externally, it has
been employed in discutient and antiseptic fomentations; and
under the form of lotion and ointment for cutaneous eruptions,
and for preventing the hair from falling off. But it is at present
very rarely used in any way.
Officinal Preparation.
Decoctum pro fomento, L. - vide Decocta.
ARTEMISIA MARITIMA.
Absinthium Maritimum. Cacumina. L. D.
Sea Wormwood, The tops.
This species of artemisia is perennial and herbaceous. It grows
wild in salt marshes, and in several parts about the sea-coasts. In
taste and smell it is weaker and less unpleasant than the common
wormwood. The tops of sea wormwood formerly entered some
of the compound distilled wraters; but they are now rejected from
these, and are very little employed in practice.
Officinal Preparations.
Decoctum pro fomento, L. - /vide Decocta.
Conserva Absinthii Maritimi, L. - Conserve.
A. — Artemisia. 241
ARTEMISIA SANTONICA. Cacumen. Ed.
Santonicum. Cacumen. L. Sem'ina. D.
Wormseed. The tops. The seeds.
All the British colleges have given this species as the plant
which produces these seeds, but it is by no means ascertained.
They have been ascribed by different writers to other species of
the same genus, the Judaica, the Contra, and the Austriaca, and
are even said by Saunders to be the produce of a species of Che-
nopodium. ,_
The seeds themselves are small, oblong,^mooth, and of agreen-
ish or greyish yellow colour. As the whole head is gathered af-
ter the seeds are ripe, they are mixed with the scales of the cali-
ces and bits of stalks. Their taste is bitter, and somewhat acrid;
their smell strong and disagreeable. Those which come from
Aleppo are esteemed the oest, and those from Barbary the worst.
When they have no smell, and a less intensely bitter taste, and
are discoloured, and mixed with a longer kind of seed, they are
to be rejectee!. They are also adulterated with the seeds of tansy
and wormwood. The latter are easily known, by having a light
yellow colour, and resembling powdered hay more than seeds.
Neumann obtained from 480 parts, 213 of alcoholic extract, and
110 watery, and inversely 260 watery, and 28 alcoholic. It gave
a slight flavour to water distilled from it, but no oil.
Medical use. — Wormseed is one of the oldest and most com-
mon anthelmintics, especially in the lumbrici of children. On ac-
count of their essential oil, they are heating and stimulating.
They are given to children
1. In substance, to the extent of ten grains, or half a drachm,
finely powdered, and strewed on bread and butter; or
made into an electuary with honey or treacle; or candied
, with sugar; or diffused through milk, and taken in the
morning when the stomach is empty.
2. In infusion or decoction, but to these forms their bitter-
ness is a strong objection.
After they have been used for some days, it is customary to
give a cathartic, or they are combined from the beginning with
rhubarb, jalap, calomel, sulphate of iron, or muriate of ammonia.
2 H
242 Materia Medica.
ARTEMISIA ABSINTHIUM. Folia etsummitates for entes.
Absinthium Vulgare, Herba. L. Folia, cacumina. D.
Common wormwood. The herb, leaves, and flowering heads.
This perennial herb grows by the road-sides and on rubbish
in many parts of Britain; and about London it is cultivated
for medical use. Its smell is strong and disagreeable; its taste in-
tensely bitter. Its active constituents are bitter extractive and
essential oil. It is used in stomach complaints, and is of great
service to hypochondrists. It is also employed in intermittent fe-
vers, in cachectic and hydropic affections, in jaundice, and against
worms. Many persons cannot suffer the disagreeable smell of
wormwood, which is apt to occasion headach, but it may be freed
from it in a greatmeasure by decoction. The extract is a pure and
simple bitter. The essential oil is of a dark green colour, and
contains the whole flavour of the plant. It is stimulating, and is
supposed to be a powerful antispasmodic and anthelmintic. It
was formerly much used for the preparation of medicated wines
and ales.
ARUM MACULATUM.
Arum. Radix recens, L. D.
Wake-robin, The recent root.
Gynandria Polyandria, — Nat. ord. Piperitce,
This is a perennial solid bulbous-rooted plant, which grows
wild in shady situations, and by the sides of banks, in many parts
of Britain. The root is knotty, roundish and white. When
collected in spring before the leaves shoot, or in autumn after
flowering, it contains a milky juice of very great acrimony. Ap-
plied to the tongue, it causes a burning heat, which lasts for many
hours, and excites considerable thirst. These disagreeable symp-
toms may be relieved by butter-milk or oily fluids. Rubbed be-
tween the fingers, it blisters and excoriates them; it is therefore
a corrosive vegetable poison. By drying, it loses the greatest part
of its acrimony, and becomes simply amylaceous. It is also ren-
dered perfectly mild by frequent washing with water. Its acrimo-
ny is therefore easily destructible; and. as it does not arise from
the presence of an essential oil, it depends upon a vegetable prin*
ciple, different from all others, and not well understood.* It does
* Acrid principle, soluble in alcohol, water, acids and alkalies, rises in distil-
lation and ia with water and alcohol, volatile, not neutralized by alkalies or acids.
A. — Alarum Europium. 243
not rise in distillation either with alcohol or with water, and
isnotcontained in its extract, although the root is thereby depri-
ved of it. Neumann obtained from 480 of the dry root 20 of al-
coholic extract, and about 180 watery. The former had some
slight pungency, and the latter none.
Medical use. — In the recent root, the degree of acrimony is so
very uncertain, and often so excessive, that its effects, as an inter-
nal remedy, cannot be depended on. The dried root is perfectly
inert; but the roots may be kept fresh for a year, by burying them
in a cellar in sand.
Officinal Preparation.
Conserva Ari, L. - vide. Conserve.
ARUM TKIPHYLLUM.
Indian-Turnip.
The acrimony of the recent root of this plant is well known*
By drying, much of this is lost. It has been very beneficial in
asthma, especially in old people — in the croup and hooping
cough. The recent root boiled in lard to the consistence of an
ointment has been found useful in tinea capitis. The fresh root,
boiled in milk, has been advantageously employed in consump-
tion. Dr. Mease recommends the following as the best form for
exhibiting it. " Grate one dried root, and boil it in half a pint of
milk." Some acrimony should be perceptible to the tongue and
throat in its exhibition. He says, it never affects the general cir-
culation, but acts solely on the parts just named; to the glands of
which it is a powerful stimulus, causing a copious secretion of
mucus.
A fine sago has been prepared from the root in the proportion
of one part, to four of the root, freed from its exterior coat.j
ASARUM EUROPIUM.
As a rum. Folia, L. D.
Asarabacca. The leaves,
Willd. g. 925. sp, \.-~>Dodecandria Monogynia.—NzX. ord. Sar-
in ent ace ce.
f See Barton's Collections, Part I. p. 21. 49. Part II. p. 29. Philadelphia Me-
lical and Physical Journal, Vol. II. p. 84. Philadelphia Medical Musaum, Vol
U. p. 162.
244 Materia Medica.
This is a perennial plant, which is a native of some places of
England, although the dried roots are generally brought from
the Levant. It grows in moist and shady situations. It produ-
ces only two leaves, which are uniform and very obtuse. The
root is fibrous, of a grey-brown colour externally, but white with-
in. Both the roots and leaves have a nauseous, bitter, acrimo-
nious, hot taste; their smell is strong, and not very disagreeable.
In its analysis, it is said by Neumann to agree with ipeca-
cuanha but it seems to contain, besides its odorous principle,
which is probably camphor, a portion of the same acrid principle
which has been noticed when speaking of arum. Upon this its
virtues depend; and as this principle is volatile, we find accord-
ingly that asarabacca loses much of its activity by deooction and
long keeping.
Given in substance from half a drachm to a drachm, it eva-
cuates powerfully both upwards and downwards. It is said, that
tinctures made in spiritous menstrua possess both the emetic and
cathartic virtues of the plant: that the extract obtained by inspis-
sating these tinctures acts only by vomiting, and with ^reat
mildness: that an infusion in water proves cathartic, rarely
emetic: that aqueous decoctions made by long boiling, and the
watery extract, have no purgative or emetic quality, but prove
good diaphoretics, diuretics, and emmenagogues.
The principal use of this plant among us is a sternutatory. The
root of asarum is perhaps the strongest of all the vegetable
errhines, white hellebore itself not excepted. Snuffed up the
nose, in the quantity of a grain or two, it occasions a large eva-
cuation of mucus, and raises a plentiful spitting. The leaves are
considerably milder, and may be used to the quantity of three,
four, or five grains. Geoffroy relates, that after snuffing up a dose
of this errhine at night, he has frequently observed the discharge
from the nose to continue for three days together; and that he
has known a paralysis of the mouth and tongue cured by one dose.
He recommends this medicine in stubborn disorders of the head,
proceeding from viscid tenacious matter, in palsies, and in sopo-
rific distempers.
Officinal Preparation.
Pulvis Asari Compositus, E. L. D. - vide Puheres.
ASARUM CANADENSE.
Wild Ginger* Coltsfoot;
Doctor Barton says both the root and leaves may be used.
A. — Astragalus Tragacantha. 245
The expressed juice of the* fresh leaves is a powerful emetic. The
leaves are errhine.*
ASCLEPIAS DECUMBENS.
Pleurisy-root. Flux-root, Butterjly-xveed, &?c.
The root of this plant is cathartic, and has been much cele-
brated in dysentery, in doses of from 20 to 30 grains in powder,
several times a day. The powder has been found useful as an
escharotic in restraining fungous flesh in ulcers. This plant is be-
lieved by professor Barton to be employed by the southern Indi-
ans in cases of venereal chancre.
This root is also said to possess a remarkable power of affect-
ing the skin, inducing general and plentiful perspiration without
much increasing the heat of the body. It is much employed in
Virginia in pleurisy, &c. It is used both in powder and decoc-
tion, and sometimes in combination with antimonials.f
Dr. Mease mentions it as possessing diuretic properties.^:
ASSA FCETIDA. vide Ferula.
ASTRAGALUS TRAGACANTHA. Gummi. Ed.
Tragacantha. Gummi. L. D.
Gum- Tragacan th .
Diadelphia Decandria. — Nat. ord. Papilionaceas.
Tragacanth is opaque and white, not sweetish, very spa-
ringly soluble in water, but absorbing and forming a paste with
a large quantity. Its solution is adhesive, but cannot be drawn
out into threads. It moulds readily and acquires a fetid smell.
It is precipitated by nitrate of mercury. It is insoluble in al-
cohol, and seems to contain more nitrogen and lime than gum
does.
Gum- Tragacanth is the produce of a very thorny shrub,
which grows on the island of Candia, and other places in the Le-
vant.
• Barton's Collections, Part I. p. 26.
f Barton's Collections.
t Philadelphia Medical Museum, Vol. II. p. 161
246 Materia Medica.
About the end of June a fluid exudes from the stem and larger
branches, which dries in the sun, and is collected by the shep-
herds, on mount Ida, from whence it is sent to Europe, under
the title of Tragacanth.
It consists of whitish semi-transparent vermiform pieces,
scarcely a line in thickness, without taste or smell.
There is also a dirty yellow, or brownish kind, which is not fit
for medical purposes.
Tragacanth is difficultly pulverizable, unless when thoroughly
dried, and the mortar heated, or in frost. According to Neu-
mann, it gives nothing over in distillation, either to water or al-
cohol: alcohol dissolves only about 10 parts of 480, and water
the whole. Lewis, however, more accurately observes, that it
cannot be properly said to be dissolved, for, put into water, it
absorbs a large proportion of that fluid, increasing immensely in
volume, and forming with it a soft, but not fluid, mucilage; and
although it is easily diffused through a larger proportion of water,
after standing a day or two, the mucilage subsides again, the su-
pernatant fluid retaining little of the gum.
Besides these remarkable differences from gum-arabic in re-
gard to brittleness, insolubility, and the quantity of water which
it thickens; tragacanth is not precipitated by silicized potass*
and is precipitated by sulphate of copper and acetate of lead.
In pharmacy it is employed for forming powders into troches,
and rendering tough cohesive substances, such as colocynth, pul-
verizable by beating them with mucilage of tragacanth, and then
drying the mass. For electuaries it is improper, as it renderfi
them slimy on keeping.
Officinal Preparations.
Puivis Tragacanths compositus, L. vide Pulveres.
Cerussse compositus, L. - Idem,
Mucilago Astragali Tragacanth ae, E. L. D. Mucilaginei*
Trochisci Glycyrrhizae, L. D. - Trochisci,
Nitri, L. - - - Idem*
A. — Atropa Belladonna. 247
ATROPA BELLADONNA. Folia. Ed.
Belladonna. Folia. D.
Deadly nightshade. The leaves.
fVilld.g-.3Ql.sp. 2. — Pentandria Monogynia. — Nat. ord. Sola-
nacece.
The deadly Nightshade is a perennial plant, with an herbace-
ous stem, which is indigenous both in mountainous and woody
situations in Great Britain, and is often cultivated in gardens.
The whole plant is poisonous, and the berries, from their beau-
tiful appearance, have sometimes proved fatal to children. The
symptoms excited, are, a dryness of the mouth; a trembling of
the tongue; a very distressing thirst; a difficulty of swallowing;
fruitless efforts to vomit; and great anxiety about the praecordia.
Delirium then comes on, with gnashing of the teeth, and convul-
sions. The pupil remains dilated, and is not sensible even to the
stimulus of light. The face becomes tumid, and of a dark red
colour. The jaws are frequently locked. Inflammation attacks
the oesophagus, stomach, and intestines, sometimes extending
to the mesentery, lungs and liver, accompanied with violent
pains in the abdomen. The stomach is very insensible to stim-
ulus, and the peristaltic motion of the intestines is destroyed.
General relaxation, palsy, especially of the lower extremities,
convulsions, vertigo, blindness, coma, and death, succeed. The
body soon putrefies, swells, and becomes marked with livid
spots; blood flows from the nose, mouth and ears, and the
stench is insufferable. On dissection, the blood is found to be
fluid, the intestines are inflated and inflamed, or eroded and
gangrenous. The best method of cure is to excite vomiting as
soon as possible, by emetics and tickling the fauces; to evacu-
ate the bowels by purgatives and clysters; and to give, largely,
vinegar, honey, milk, and oil. In some children who recovered
by this treatment, the delirium was succeeded by profound so-
por, accompanied with subsultus tendinum; the face and hands
became pale and cold, and the pulse small, hard and quick. Their
recovery was slow, and the blindness continued a considera-
ble time, but at last went oft*.
By distillation in the vapour bath, Geoffroy procured from
the recent leaves a slightly acrid liquor, and the residuum by
destructive distillation yielded a suitable quantity of carbonate
of ammonia.
Medical use. — Yet this virulent poison, under proper manage-
ment, may become an excellent remedy. Besides a very remark-
able narcotic power, it possesses considerable influence in pro-
248 Materia Medica.
moting all the excretions, particularly by sweat, urine, and it is
also said by saliva; but its exhibition requires the greatest cau-
tion; for it is apt, when continued for any length of time, even
in small doses, to cause dryness and tension of the throat and
neighbouring parts, vertigo, dimness of sight, and even temporary
blindness. When any of these symptoms occur, its use must be
suspended for some time, and afterwards resumed in smaller
doses.
Deadly nightshade has been exhibited,
1. In several febrile diseases; in obstinate intermittents;
and in the plague.
2. In inflammations; the gout.
3. In comatose diseases; in palsy and loss of speech from
apoplexy.
4. In spasmodic diseases; in chorea; epilepsy; chincough;
hydrophobia; melancholy, and mania.
5. In cachectic affections; in dropsies and obstinate jaun-
dice.
6. In local diseases; in amaurosis; in scirrhus, and cancer.
Deadly nightshade is best exhibited in substance, beginning
with a very small dose of the powdered leaves or root, such as
the fourth or eighth part of a grain for children, and one grain for
adults, to be repeated daily, and gradually increased. In hydro-
phobia, Miinch gave the powdered root every second morning,
to the extent of from one to five grains to children, and four-
teen or fifteen grains to adults.
The watery infusion is also a powerful remedy. One scruple
of the dried leaves are infused in ten ounces of warm water, and
strained after cooling. At first, two ounces of this may be given
daily to adults, and gradually increased, until the tension of the
throat shows that it would be imprudent to go farther.
The watery extract is not a judicious preparation.
Externally, the powdered leaves are applied as a narcotic to
diminish pain, and to cancerous and ill-conditioned sores. From
its effect in permanently dilating the pupil, Professor Reimarus
proposed, and tried with success, the dropping a little of the in-
fusion into the eye, a few hours before performing the operation
for the cataract, with the view of facilitating the operation.
Officinal Preparation.
Succus spissatus Atropa? Belladonna?, E. vide Succus spi&sati.
A.— A vena Sativa. - 2*4?9
AVENA SATIVA. Semen. Ed.
Avena. Semen. L.
Oats. The seed.
'Villd.g. 142. sp. 13.. — Triandria Digyn'na. — Nat. ord. Gramznfc
D. Haver. P. Avea.
DA. Havre. R. Owes*
F. Avoine. S. Avena.
G. /fafor, //a/tr. SW. #tf/r<?.
I. Pifrca, Avena.
This is a well-known annual plant) which is very generally
cultivated in northern countries, and in many places furnishes
the principal subsistence. When simply freed from the husks,
this grain gets the name of groats, but it is more frequently
ground into meal. Groats are made into broths* Oat-meal is
baked with salt and water into cakes, or with the same additions,
is boiled to form porridge. An infusion of the husks in water, al-
lowed to remain till it becomes acidulous, is boiled down to a
jelly, which is called sowins. In all these forms it is nutritious,
and easy of digestion.
Medical tt,se.~Gruels or decoctions, either of groats or oat-
meal, either plain or acidified, or sweetened, form an excellent
drink in febrile diseases, diarrhoea, dysentery, &c. and from their
demulcent properties, prove useful in inflammatory disorders,
coughs, hoarseness, roughness, and exulcerations of the fauces.
Porridge is also frequently applied to phlegmonous swellings, to
promote their suppuration,
21
250
Materia Medica.
B
BALSAMUM.— BJLSJM.
D. Balsem.
DA. Balsam.
F. Baume.
,G. Bah am.
I. Balsa mo.
P. Balsamo,
POL. Balsam.
R. Balsam.
S. Balsamo.
SW. Balsam.
(ifcALSAMUM CANADENSE, vide Pinus Balsamea.
BALSAMUM COPAIBA, - C op aif era officinalis.
BALSAMUM PERUVIANUM, Myroxylon peruiferum,
BALSAMUM TOLUTANUM, Tohdfera'bahamum.
BARYTA.— BARYTA.
Baryta is obtained in small, grey, porous masses, of tolerable
solidity; its taste is acrid, urinous, and pungent; applied to the
skin, it proves caustic, and it is deleterious when swallowed; its
specific gravity is 4.; it is soluble in twenty times its weight of
cold water, and in twice its weight of boiling water; depositing,
on cooling, transparent, white, prismatic crystals; when slaked,
it boils up with violence, becomes very hot, increases in bulk,
and is changed into a spongy white mass. It changes vegetable
blues to green: it is fusible; it combines with all the acids, sul-
phur, sulphuretted hydrogen, and phosphorus. It is the basis of
some of the heavy spars.
CARBONAS BARYTiE. Ed.
Carbonate of Baryta.
Carbonated Baryta is rarely found in nature, and as it was
first discovered by Dr. Withering, Mr. Werner gave it the name
B. —Baryta.— Sulphas Barytae. 251
of Witherite. Its colour is greyish-white, sometimes inclining
to milk-white, and sometimes with a slight tinge of yellow from
a mixture of iron, seldom greenish, often invested with a red
ochry crust. It is found in solid masses, sometimes filling an en-
tire vein, sometimes interspersed with sulphated baryta, fre-
quently rounded or affecting that form, seldom crystallized.
Texture, fibrous; fracture, conchoidal; fragments, long splinters;
specific gravity, 4.3 to 4.338. Although it has no sensible taste,
it is poisonous. In medicine it is only used for preparing the
muriate of baryta. It is found at Anglesark in Lancashire, at
Alstoon-moor in Cumberland, in Scotland, and in Sweden, but
is not common.
According to different analysis, its constituents are,
VvaUr
4- 16
Acid.
Han ta.
Withering,
20
+
80
Pelletier,
22
-f
62
Kirwan,
22
+
78
Fourcrov,
10
+
90
SULPHAS BARYTjE.
Sulphate of Baryta. Ponderous Spar.
This salt has been omitted in the list of the materia medica of
the Edinburgh college; for they afterwards employ it for the
preparation of the muriate of baryta.
It is found in great abundance in many countries, either in a
loose earthy form, or compact, or foliated, or striated, or acicu-
lar. The foliated is in general the purest. Its specific gravity is
from 4.4 to 4.865. It is insoluble in water. It is soluble in boil-
ing concentrated sulphuric acid. It decrepitates when suddenly
heated. By being formed into a thin cake with flour and water,
and being afterwards heated to redness, it becomes phospho-
rescent. Heated to redness with charcoal, it is converted into a
sulphuret, and it may be decomposed either by boiling, or in a
crucible, with the carbonates of potass and of soda. It contains
about 84 of baryta, and 16 sulphuric acid and water.
Officisal Preparation.
?»Iurias Barytae, E.
252 Materia Medica*
MURIAS BARYTjE. Ed.
Muriate of Baryta*
Take of
Carbonate of baryta,
Muriatic acid, one part;
Water, three parts.
Add the carbonate, broken into little bits, to the water and acid,
previously mixed. After the effervescence has ceased, digest
for an hour, strain the liquor, and set it aside to crystallize.
Repeat the evaporation as long as any crystals are formed.
If the carbonate of baryta cannot be procured, the muriate
may be prepared in the following manner from the sulphate.
Take of
Sulphate of baryta, two pounds;
Charcoal of wood, in powder, four ounces.
Roast the sulphate with fire, that it may be more easily reduced
to a very fine powder, with which the charcoal is to be inti-
mately mixed. Put the mixture into a crucible, and having
fitted it with a cover, heat it with a strong fire for six hours.
Then triturate the matter well, and throw it into six pounds
of water in an earthen or glass vessel, and mix them by agi-
tation, preventing as much as possible the action of the air.
Let the vessel stand in a vapour bath until the part not dis-
solved shall subside, then pour off the liqour. On the undis-
solved part pour four pounds more of boiling water, which,
after agitation and deposition, are to be added to the former
liquor. Into the liquor, when still warm, or if it shall have
cooled, again heated, drop muriatic acid as long as it excites
any effervescence. Then strain it and evaporate it so as to
crystallize. (E.)
In the materia medica of the Edinburgh college, the carbo-
nate of baryta is introduced, for the purpose of forming the mu-
riate: but as that mineral is not very common, and sometimes
not to be procured, it became necessary to describe the manner
of preparing the muriate from the sulphate. This is, however,
attended with considerable difficulties, on account of the very
strong attraction which subsists between the sulphuric acid and
baryta.
The sulphate of baryta may be decomposed,
1. By compound affinity; by means of carbonate of potass
or muriate of lime.
B. — Baryta. — Murias Barytac. 253
Carbonate of potass is capable of effecting this decomposition,
either in the drv or humid way. Klaproth boils sixteen ounces
of finely-powdered sulphate of baryta with thirty-two ounces of
purified carbonate of potass, and five pounds of water, for an
hour in a tin kettle, constantly agitating the mixture, and re-
newing the water as it evaporates. He then allows it to settle,
pours off the fluid, which is a solution of sulphate of potass, and
edulcorates the precipitate with plenty of water. He next dis-
solves the carbonate of baryta, which it contains, in muriatic
acid. The portion of sulphate which is not decomposed, maybe
treated again in the same manner.
On the other hand, Van Mons mixes equal parts of sulphate
of baryta and carbonate of potass with one-fourth of their
weight of charcoal all in powder, and heats the mixture to red-
ness in a crucible. When it cools he washes out the sulphate and
sulphuret of potass with water, then boils the residuum with a
little potass, and washes it again. The carbonate of baryta thus
obtained, he dissolves in muriatic acid.
But by these methods of decomposing the sulphate of baryta,
we do not get rid of the metallic substances which it often con-
tains, and which often render the muriate thus prepared unfit
for medical use. But the metalline muriates may be expelled,
according to Westrumb, bv heating the salt to redness as long
as any fumes arise. The pure muriate of baryta is then to be
dissolved in water and crystallized, Gottling, with the same in-
tention of getting rid of metallic substances, chooses sulphate of
baryta, perfectly colourless, and treats it with muriatic or nitro-
muriatic acid before he proceeds to decompose it.
La Grange has proposed a new method of decomposing the
sulphate of baryta, by means of muriate of lime, which he pre-
pares from the residuum of the decomposition of muriate of am-
monia by lime, by dissolving it in a small quantity of hot water,
and evaporating it to dryness. He mixes equal parts of this mu-
riate with sulphate of baryta in powder, and projects it by
spoonfuls into a crucible previously heated to redness. When it
is all in complete fusion, he pours it out upon a polished stone
previously heated. The matter, which cracks as it cools, has a
whitish-grey colour, is very hard, sonorous, and deliquescent,
is now to be boiled in about six times its weight of distilled wa-
ter, its solution filtered, and the residuum boiled in a smaller
quantity of water. The mixed solutions are then evaporated to a
pellicle, and on cooling furnish beautiful crystals of muriate of
baryta, which are to be washed with cold water, and purified by
a second solution and crystallization. The mother water of the
first crystallization still contains muriate of baryta, which may
be separated from the muriate of lime, with which it is mixed,
by repeated solutions and crystallizations. La Grange think*
254 Materia Medica.
that this process not only saves time, fuel, and muriatic acid,
but that it furnishes a purer muriate of baryta than the follow-
ing process.
*2. By decomposing its acid; by means of charcoal.
The acid of the sulphate of baryta is decomposed at a very
high temperature by charcoal. At such a temperature charcoal
has a greater affinity for oxygen than sulphur has; it therefore de-
composes sulphuric acid, by depriving it of its oxygen, and flies
off in the state of carbonic oxide or acid gas, while the sulphur
combines with the baryta. On adding water to the sulphuret
thus formed, new combinations take place. A portion of sul-
phate of baryta is regenerated, while hydroguretted sulphuret,
and sulphuretted hydroguret of baryta remain in solution. This
solution is exceedingly prone to decomposition, and must there-
fore be preserved from the action of the air as much as possi-
ble. It also crystallizes by cooling, and therefore should be
kept at a boiling heat. On the addition of muriatic acid, there
is a violent effervescence and disengagement of sulphuret-
ted hydrogen gas, which must be avoided as much as possible,
by performing the operation under a chimney, while very pure
muriate of baryta remains in solution. When prepared in this
way, it cannot be contaminated with any of the noxious metals,
as their compounds with sulphur and hydrogen are not soluble.
On this account, therefore, it is the process adopted by the Edin-
burgh college.
Muriate of baryta commonly crystallizes in tables. It has a
disagreeable bitter taste; is soluble in five parts of water at 60°,
and in less boiling water. It is scarcely soluble in alcohol; and its
solution burns with a yellow flame. It crystallizes by evaporation:
its crystals are permanent; and by the action of heat decrepitate,
dry, and melt. When crystallized, it contains 20 acid, 64 baryta, *
and 16 water; when dried, 23.8 acid, and 76.2 baryta. It is de-
composed by the sulphates, nitrates, and sulphites; and by the
alkaline phosphates, borates, and carbonates. When pure it has
no colour; does not deliquesce; does not burn with a red or pur-
ple flame when dissolved in alcohol; and is not precipitated by
gallic acid, prussiate of potass and iron, or hydro-sulphuret of
ammonia. By washing with alcohol muriate of baryta rendered
impure by the presence of muriate of iron, the latter alone is
dissolved. — It is commonly given in solution.
B. — Baryta. — Berberis. 255
SOLUTIOMURIATIS BARYTA. Ed.
Solution of Muriate of Baryta.
Take of
Muriate of baryta, one part;
Distilled water, three parts. Dissolve. (E.)
The proportion of water directed here for the solution of mu-
riate of baryta, is considerably less than what is stated to be ne-
cessary by the writers on chemistry. It is however sufficient,
even at the lowest ordinary temperatures; a circumstance which
should be attended to in making saturated solutions of saline
bodies.
Medical use. — Muriate of baryta is generally said by writers on
the materia medica to be a stimulant deobstruent; and yet Hufe-
land, one of its greatest supporters, says, that it succeeds better
in cases attended with inflammation and increased irritability
than with atony and torpor. When given in large doses, it cer-
tainly produces nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, vertigo, and death.
Its effects on a morbid state of the body are also disputed.
Some assert that it is of advantage in no disease; while others
bestow upon it the most unqualified praises. By the latter, it is
{principally celebrated,
1. In all cases of scrofula.
2. In obstructions and tumours.
3. In cases of worms.
4. In cutaneous diseases.
The dose of the solution at first, is five or ten drops twice cm
tfirice a-day, to be gradually and cautiously increased to as much
as the patient can bear.
The solution is also used externally as a stimulating and gently-
escharotic application in cutaneous diseases, fungous ulcers, and
specks upon the cornea.
BENZOE. Vide Styrax Benzoic
BERBERIS VULGARIS. Berberis. Fructus. D.
Barberry. The fruit.
Willd.g-.677.sp. l.-HexandriaMonog'yma.-Nat.ord. Trihilata.
The barben-y is a small tree, or rather a large bush, covered
with an ash coloured bark, under which is contained another of a
256 Materia Medica.
deep yellow: the berries are of an elegant red colour, and contain
each two hard brown seeds. It grows wild on chalky hills in
several parts of England; and is frequently planted in hedges and
in gardens.
The outward bark of the branches and the leaves have an as-
tringent acid taste: the inner yellow bark a bitter one. This last
is said to be serviceable in the jaundice; and by some to be an
useful purgative.
The berries contain a very acid red juice, which consists chiefly
of malic acid. This juice forms an useful and pleasant addition
to antiphlogistic drinks, in fluxes and in malignant fevers, for
abating heat, quenching thirst, raising the strength, and prevent-
ing putrefaction. They also form a very elegant syrup or pre*
serve, which may be employed with advantage in the same
diseases.
BETULA ALBA. Succus. D.
The birch tree. The juice.
Monoecia Tetrandria. — Nat. ord. Amentacece.
This tree grows wild in most woods: its bark is astringent.
Upon deeply wounding or boring the trunk of the tree in the
beginning of spring, a sweetish juice issues forth, sometimes, it
is said, in so large a quantity, as to equal in weight, the whole tree
and root: one branch will bleed a gallon or more in a day. This
juice is chiefly recommended in scorbutic and similar disorders:
its most sensible effect is to promote the urinary discharge.
BITUMEN PETROLEUM. Ed.
Petroleum Barbadense. Resina. D.
Petroleum. L.
i Rock oil. Barbadoes tar.
D. Steenoli. I. Petroleo.
DA. Steenolje. POL. Skalney oley.
F. Petrole. R. Kamennoe mas&io.
G. Steinol. SW. Stenolja.
Bitumen is now employed as the generic name for several in-
flammable bodies of different degrees of consistency, from perfect
fluidity to that of a brittle but very fusible solid, and of little
specific gravity. They are insoluble in alcohol or in water, conv
B.— Bitumen. 257
bine with essential oils and sulphur, decompose only a small pro-
portion of nitrate of potass by deflagration, and on inflammation
leave little or no residuum.
Sp. 1. Naphtha. It is nearly as colourless, transparent, and
fluid as water. Specific gravity 0.729 to 0.847, of a highly pene-
trating, yet not disagreeable smell, somewhat like that of rec*
tified oil of amber, very volatile, and remaining fluid at 0° Fah-
renheit.
Sp. 2. Petroleum. Not so fluid, transparent, or colourless,
as the former; smell less pleasant. Specific gravity 0.878.
Sp. 3. Mineral Tar. Viscid; of a dark colour: smell some-
times strong, but often faint. Specific gravity 1.1.
Sp. 4. Mineral Pitch; maltha. Brittle in cold weather; of a
dark colour; opaque. Specific gravity probably 1.07.
Sp. 5. Asphaltum. Very brittle; fracture conchoidal; glassy
lustre; no smell, unless when melted or heated. Specific gravity
1.07 to 1.65. Fusible and inflammable.
According to Mr. Kirwan and Mr. Hatchett, the first species,
by exposure to the air, and gradual decomposition, passes suc-
cessively through the intermediate states, till at last it is convert-
ed into asphaltum. When partially decomposed, the remaining
naphtha may be separated by distillation from the superabundant
charcoal.
Prom the different pharmacopoeias having been published before
the specific characters were properly ascertained, there is some
confusion with regard to the species which is officinal. The Lon-
don college name the second, and the Dublin college the third;
but the latter err greatly in calling it a resin; while the Edin-
burgh college incorrectly give petroleum Barbadense, which
belongs to the third species, as a synonyme of bitumen petroleum,
which is the second. The first species is found abundantly in
Persia; but what we receive comes from the dutehy of Modena in
Italy. It is verv rarely met with in the shops; the second, mixed
with a little of the third, and some subtile oil, is usually sent us
instead of it.
Medical use. — Petroleum is at present very rarely employed as
a medicine, though if the finer kinds could be procured genuine,
they seem to deserve some notice: they are more agreeable than
the oil of amber, and milder than that of turpentine; of the vir-
tues of both of which they participate. They are principally re-
commended by authors for external purposes, against pains and
achs, in paralytic complaints, and for preventing chilblains. For
these intentions, some of the more common mineral oils have been
made use of with good success; an oil extracted from a kind of
stone-coal has been extolled among the common people, under the
name of British oil, for rheumatic pains, &c; even this is often
258 Materia Medica.
counterfeited by a small portion of oil of amber added to the
common expressed oils.
The Barbadoes tar is found in several of the West India islands,
where it is esteemed by the inhabitants of great service as a sudo-
rific, and in disorders of the breast and lungs; though in cases of
this kind, attended with inflammation, it is certainly improper;
they likewise apply it externally as a discutient, and for prevent-
ing paralytic disorders.
Officinal Preparations.
Oleum Petrolei, L. Vide Olea volat. empyreumatica.
Petroleum Sulphuratum, Olea praparata.
BOLETUS IGNIARIUS. Ed.
Agaricus Chirurgorum. Off.
Female agaric, or agaric of the oak, called, from its being- very
easily inflammable, Touchwood, or Spunk.
Cryptogamia Fungi. — Nat. ord. Fungi.
F. Agaric. G. L'drchenschwamm.
This fungus is frequently met with, on different kinds of trees
in Britain, especially the cherry and the plumb; and is said to
have been sometimes brought into the shops mixed with the true
agaric of the larch: from this it is easily distinguishable by its
greater weight, dusky colour, and mucilaginous taste void of
bitterness. The medullary part of this fungus, beaten soft, and
applied externally, has been much celebrated as a styptic; and
said to restrain not only venal but arterial hemorrhagies, without
the use of ligatures. It does not appear, however, to have any
real styptic power, or to act any otherwise than dry lint, sponge,
or other soft fungous applications. It is best when gathered in
August or September.
BOLUS GALLICUS. L.
French bole.
Boles are earthy aggregates, consisting chiefly of siliceous and
argillaceous earths. They are less coherent and more friable than
pure clay, more easily diffused through water, and more freely
subsiding from it. They feel greasy to the touch, adhere slightly
B.— Bryonia, &c. 259
to the tongue, and break down in the mouth, impressing a slight
sense of astringency. A great variety of these substances were
formerly used in medicine, but the French bole alone is now re-
tained in the London pharmacopoeia. It is of a pale red colour,
variegated with irregular specks or veins of white and yellow.
These earths have been recommended as astringent, sudorific,
and alexipharraic; and they have been used in diarrhoeas, dysen-
teries, hemorrhagies, and in malignant and pestilential distem-
pers. In intestinal fluxes and complaints in the first passages,
from thin acrimonious humours, they may doubtless be of some
use: but the virtues ascribed to them in the other cases appear to
have no foundation.
BORAX, vide Sub-boras Sod*.
BRYONIA ALBA. Bryonia. Radix, D
(5. dioica, Jacquin, Withering.)
Bryony; wild vine. The root.
Monoecia Syngenesia. — Nat. ord. Cucurbitacece.
This is an indigenous perennial plant, growing on dry banks,
under hedges, and climbing upon the bushes. The roots are large,
sometimes as thick as a man's thigh; their smell, when fresh, is
strong and disagreeable; the taste nauseously bitter, acrid, and
biting; the juice is so sharp as in a little time to excoriate the
skin: in drying they lose great part of their acrimony, and almost
the whole of their smell.
Neumann obtained by expression from a pound of the fresh
root nearly six ounces of juice, retaining a great deal of the nau-
seous smell and taste of the root, and depositing, on standing, a
white powdery amylaceous matter, (Fecula bryoniae) recom-
mended as a milder purgative than the root. 960 parts of the dry
root yielded to water 60G, and afterwards to alcohol 23. Alcohol,
when applied first, extracted 170, and water afterwards 250.
Medical use. Bryony root is a strong irritating cathartic; and
as such has sometimes been successfully exhibited in maniacal
cases, in some kinds of dropsies, and in several chronic disorders.
An extract prepared by water acts more mildly, and with great-
er safety, than the root in substance; given from half a drachm to
a drachm, it is said to prove a gentle purgative, and likewise to
260 Materia Medica.
operate powerfully by urine. The fresh root, applied externally,
is said to be a powerful discutient in cedematous swellings.
BUBON GALBANUM, Gummi-resina. Ed.
Galbanum. Gummi-resina, L. D.
Galbanum. A gum-resin.
Willd. g. 546. sp. 2. — Pentandria Digynia. — Nat. ord.
Umbellatce.
This plant is perennial, and grows in Africa. It abounds with
a milky juice, which sometimes exudes from the joints of the old
plants, but is more frequently obtained by cutting them across
some inches above the root. The juice which flows from the
wound soon hardens, and is the galbanum which is brought to us
from Syria and the Levant.
The best sort of Galbanum consists of pale-coloured pieces,
about the size of a hazel nut, which on being broken, appear to
be composed of clear white tears, of a bitterish acrid taste, and a
strong peculiar srrtell. But it most commonly occurs in aggluti-
nated masses, composed of yellowish or reddish and clear white
tears, which may easily be torn asunder, mixed with seeds and
leaves, of the consistence of firm wax, softening by heat, and be-
coming brittle by cold. What is mixed with sand, earth, and other
impurities, and is of a brown or blackish colour, interspersed with
no white grains, of a weak smell, and of a consistence always
soft, is bad.
Galbanum is almost entirely soluble in water, but the solution
is milky; neither does wine nor vinegar dissolve it perfectly. Al-
cohol, according to Hagen, has very little action upon it. It is not
fusible; but furnishes a considerable proportion of essential oil
when distilled with water. Neumann obtained by distillation with
wat^r six drachms of oil, besides what was dissolved in the wa-
ter. The watery extract amounted to about three ounces. It had
somewhat of a nauseous relish, but could not have been recog-
nised as a preparation of galbanum. From the same quantity al-
cohol extracted upwards of nine ounces and a half of a hard brit-
tle insipid inodorous substance (resin?)
Medical use. — Galbanum agrees in virtue with gum ammonia-
cum; but is generally accounted less -proper in asthmas, and
more so in hysterical complaints. It is exhibited in the form of
pills or emulsion, to the extent of about a drachm. Applied ex-
ternally, it is supposed to resolve and discuss tumours, and to
promote suppuration.
B. — Bubon Galbanum, 261
Officinal Preparations.
Galbanum purificatum, - vide Ammoniacum purificatum,
Pilulae galbani composite^ L. - Pilidce.
assae fcetidae compositae, E. Idem.
Tinctura galbani, L. - Tincturce.
Emplastrum picis burgundies, D. Unguenta.
assae fcetidae, E. - Idem.
gummosum, E. - Idem.
lithargyricompositum,L. Idem.
262 Materia Medica.
c.
CALOMELAS. Vide Hydrargyrum.
CALX.— LIME.
CALX. L.
Calx Viva. Ed, Calx recens usta. D.
Quicklime recently burnt.
a. Ex lapide calcareo.
b. Ex testis conchyliorum.
Lime is a simple substance, and is obtained in the form of a
grey stone, or in fragments more or less pulverulent and white;
warm, acrid, and urinous to the taste; reddening the skin when
applied to it for any time; specific gravity 2.33. It is soluble in
450 times its weight of water, and has a strong attraction for it.
If about half its weight of water be thrown upon fresh burnt lime,
it is absorbed rapidly, with the extrication of considerable heat
and steam, and some phosphorescent light; at the same time the
lime crumbles down into a very fine, white, dry powder, aug-
mented much in bulk, but less caustic than before. It is also
somewhat increased in weight by the presence of part of the wa-
ter, which has become solidified; and to the caloric of fluidity,
which is expelled during the conversion of the water into a solid,
the great increase of temperature is owing. Lime in this state is
said to be slaked, but it does not renew these phenomena on a
further addition of water; but if the water amount to 700 times
the weight of the lime, the lime is completely dissolved, and this
solution is termed lime water. Lime is apyrous; it changes ve-
getable blues to green; it combines with all the acids, sulphur,
sulphuretted hydrogen, and phosphorus; it is very abundant in the
mineral kingdom, and forms the bases of animal bones and shells.
The calcareous spars, marble, limestone, chalk, and marl, con-
sist chiefly of lime.
C. — Calx. — Aqua Calcis. 263
Lime is scarcely found in nature uncombined, but is easily
prepared from any of its carbonates, either mineral or animal,
by the action of fire, which first expels the water, and then de-
stroys any animal matters which may be present, and, lastly, ex-
pels the carbonic acid. This process is improperly termed the
burning of lime. The product is lime, or, as it is commonly cal-
led, quicklime.
As liuK quickly attracts moisture and carbonic acid from the
atmosphere, it should be always recently prepared; and when
kept, it should be preserved in very close bottles. Lime should
not effervesce with acids, and should be entirely soluble in water.
Medical use. On the living body lime acts as an escharotic, and
as such it was formerly applied to ill-conditioned and obstinate
sores. Dissolved in water, it is sometimes given internally as a
tonic or astringent in scrofula and various fluxes, and formerly
it enjoyed considerable reputation as a iithontriptic.
Officinal Preparations.
Aquacalcis, E. L. D. vide,
Aqua potassae, E. L. D. - Potassa.
ammonite, E. L. D. - Ammonia.
AQUA CALCIS. Ed. L. D.
Lime-Water .
Take of
Fresh-burnt lime, half a pound;
Put it into an earthen vessel, and gradually sprinkle on it four
ounces of water, keeping the vessel shut, while the lime grows
hot, and falls into powder. Then pour on it twelve pounds of
water, and mix the lime thoroughly with the water by agitation.
After ihe lime has subsided, repeat the agitation; and let this
be done about ten times, always keeping the vessel shut, that
the free access of the air mav be prevented. Lastly, let the
water be filtered through paper, placed in a funnel, with
glasj rods interposed between them, that the water may pass
as quickly as possible. It must be kept in very close botdes.
(E.)
We have already had occasion to speak of the properties of
lime, and shall therefore now confine our remarks to the solution
of it in water, commonly called Lime-water. In making this, we
should first add only so much water as is sufficient to slake the
lime, which reduces it to a fine powder, easily diffused through
water; for if we add more water at first, it forms a paste with the
264 Materia Medica.
external part of the lime, and defends the internal from the ac-
tion of the water. During the whole process, the air must be ex-
cluded as much as possible; as lime has a very strong affinity for
carbonic acid, and attracts it from the atmosphere. The propor-
tion of water used is scarcely able to dissolve one-tenth of the
lime; but lime is of little value; and our object is to form a
saturated solution quickly and easily. Lime is not more soluble
in hot water than in cold; therefore it is unnecessary to use boil-
ing water. The London college decant their solution from the
undissolved lime; but in this way we are not so sure of a per-
fectly transparent solution as by filtration; and if we use the pre-
cautions directed by the other colleges, it may be performed
without the lime absorbing a perceptible quantity of carbonic
acid. The bottles in which lime-water is kept, should be perfectly
full, and well corked.
Lime-water is transparent and colourless* It has an austere
acrid taste, and affects vegetable colours as the alkalies do. It
enters very readily into combination with all the acids, sulphur,
and phosphorus; and decomposes the alkaline carbonates, phos-
phates, fluates, borates, oxalates, tartrates, and citrates.
Medical use. When applied to the living fibre, lime-water cor-
rugates and shortens it; it therefore possesses astringent powers.
It is also a powerful antacid, or at least it combines with, and neu-
tralizes acids when it comes in contact with them. It also dis-
solves mucus, and kills intestinal worms. From possessing thes£
properties, it is used in medicine, in diseases supposed to arise
from laxity and debility of the solids, as diarrhoea, diabetes, leu-
corrhcea, scrofula, and scurvy; in affections of the stomach ac-
companied with acidity and flatulence; when the intestines are
loaded with mucus; and in worms. Lime-water is scarcely capa-
ble of dissolving, even out of the body, any of the substances of
which urinary calculi consist; it has therefore no pretensions to
the character of a lithontriptic. It has also been recommended in
crusta lactea, in cancer, and in chronic cutaneous diseases. Exter-
nally, it is applied to ill-conditioned ulcers, gangrenous sores; as a
wash in tinea capitis and psora; and as ah injection in gonorrhoea,
fistulas, and ulcers of the bladder.
When taken internally, its taste is said to be best covered by
lukewarm milk. Its dose is commonly from two to four ounces,
frequently repeated; but when long continued it weakens the or-
gans of digestion.
Officinal Pseparations.
Liquor cupri ammoniati, L. D. - vide Cuprum,
Oleum lini cum calce, E. - Olea prceparata.
C. — Calx.— Carbonas Calcis. 265
AQUA CALCIS COMPOSITA. Dub.
. Compound Lime Water.
Take of
Guaiac wood, in shavings, half a pound;
Liquorice root, sliced and bruised, an ounce;
Sassafras bark, bruised, half an ounce;
Coriander seeds, three drachms;
Lime water, six pints.
Macerate, without heat, for two days, and filter.
This, though an infusion, may be considered as an equivalent
for the compound decoction of guaiac, as the lime water cannot
fail to be decomposed during the preparation. #
CARBONAS CALCIS. Ed.
Creta. L. D.
Carbonated lime. Chalk.
This is the most common of all minerals,- is found under a
great variety of forms, and has various names, as chalk, lime*
stone, marble, spar. In form it is either amorphous, stalactical,
or crystallized. When amorphous, its texture is either foli-
ated, striated, granular, or earthy. The primitive form of its
crystals is a rhomboidal parallelopiped. Hardness, lustre and
transparency, various; when transparent, it causes double refrac-
tion; specific gravity from 2.315 to 2.78; colour, when pure,
white; effervesces violently with muriatic acid, and dissolves en-
tirely or nearly so in it, forming a colourless solution.
Its different varieties may be arranged under,
1. Soft carbonate of lime. Chalk. Creta alba.
2. Indurated carbonate of lime. Marble. Marmor album,
They contain about 45 parts of carbonic acid, and 55 of lime*
In medicine it is given to correct acidity in the primae viae, es-
pecially when accompanied with looseness. Powdered chalk has
been externally applied with success to scalds and burns.
In pharmacy it is employed for the preparation of carbonic
*cid gas, and of the muriate of lime.
2L
266 Materia Medica,
Officinal Preparations.
Aqua aeris fixi, D. - vide,
super-carbonatis potassse, E. D. Potassa.
Carbonas ammoniae, E. L. D. - Ammonia,
Aqua super-carbonatis ammoniae, E. L. D. Idem.
Carbonas calcis praeparatus, E. L. D.
Solutio muriatis calcis, E,
Potio carbonatis calcis, E. L. D. - Mixtures.
Trochisci carbonatis calcis, E. L. - Trochisci.
AQUA AERIS FIXI. D.
Water impregnated with Fixed Air.
lake of
White marble in powder, three ounces;
Diluted sulphuric acid and water, of each, a pound and a half.
Mix them gradually in a Nooth's apparatus, and let the air
evolved pass through six pounds of pure spring water, placed
in the upper part of the apparatus; and let agitation be occa-
sionally employed until the water shall have acquired a sub-
acid taste. (D.)
v
Carbonic acid may be separated from carbonate of lime
a. By the action of heat alone.
b. By an acid having a superior affinity for the lime.
In the former way the carbonic acid is perfectly pure, in the
latter it carries over a little of the stronger acid, which gives a
slight degree of pungency.
In this process the carbonic acid is separated from the carbo-
nate of lime by the superior affinity of sulphuric acid. As it is
disengaged, it assumes a gaseous form, and would be dissipated
in the atmosphere, if it were not made to pass thro ugiT water,
which, at a medium temperature, is capable of absorbing about
an equal bulk of this gas, and, by the assistance of pressure, a
much greater proportion.
Various contrivances have been made for this purpose. Of
these the most easily managed, and most convenient for general
use, is the apparatus of Nooth; and, for larger quantities, that of
Woulfe, or some modification of it. By the proper application
of pressure, M. Paul of Geneva, now of London, is able to im-
pregnate water with no less than six times its bulk of carbonic
acid gas.
C. — Calx. — Carbonas Calcis Prsep. 267
Medical use. — Water impregnated with carbonic acid, sparkles
in the glass, has a pleasant acidulous taste, and forms an excel-
lent beverage. It diminishes thirst, lessens the morbid heat of the
body, and acts as a powerful diuretic. It is also an excellent re-
medy in increased irritability of the stomach, as in advanced
pregnancy; and it is one of the best anti-emetics which we
possess.
CARBONAS CALCIS PR.EPARATUS. Ed.
Olim; Creta Pp,£parata, et Cancrorum Lapilli; vulgo,
Oculi Cancrorum Pr,£parati.
Prepared Carbonate of Lime; formerly Prepared Chalk and Crabs
Stones, commonly called Crabs Eyes*
Carbonate of lime, whether the softer variety commonly called
Chalk, or the harder variety called Crabs Eyes and Crabs
Stones, after having been triturated to powder in an iron mor-
tar, and levigated on a porphyry stone with a little water, is
to be put into a large vessel, and water to be poured upon it,
which after agitating the vessel repeatedly is to be again pour-
ed off, while loaded with minute ponder. On allowing the
water to settle, a subtile powder will subside, which is to be
dried.
The coarse powder which the water could not suspend, may be
levigated again and treated in the same manner. (E.)
In this manner are to be prepared,
Chalk — Coral — Crabs claws, first broken into small pieces,
and washed with boiling water.
Oyster-shells and egg-shells, first cleaned from impurities,
And also amber, antimony, calamine, tutty, and verdegris.
The preparation of these substances merely consists in redu-
cing them to an impalpable powder. The solution of potass is
used by the Dublin college to dissolve the animal matter con-
tained in the different shells; which is apt to keep the carbonate
of lime too long suspended, and to give it a bad smell, if not
quickly dried. But these inconveniences are totally avoided by
using chalk, which, as a medicine, is not inferior to the costly
coral.
Medical use. — Carbonate of lime is commonly called an absorb-
ent earth. It certainly is an antacid; that is, it combines with and
neutralizes most acids, while its carbonic acid is expelled in the
form of gas. It is therefore exhibited in affections of the stomach
accompanied with acidity, especially when at the same time there
268 Materia Medica.
is a tendency to diarrhoea. The fear of its forming concretions in
the bowels, is probably imaginary ; for it is not warranted either
by theory or experience.
Applied externally, carbonate of lime may be considered as
an absorbent in another point of view; for its beneficial action on
burns and ulcers probably arises entirely from its imbibing the
moisture or ichorous matter, as a sponge would do, and thus pre-
venting it from acting on the abraded surfaces, and excoriating
the neighbouring parts.
O fficina l Prep a ra tions .
Hydrargyrum cum creta, L. - vide Hydrargyrum.'
Pulvis carbonatis calcis compositus, E. L. Pulveres.
opiatus, E. Idem.
Trochisci carbonatis calcis, E. L. - Trochiscu
CRETA PRiECIPITATA. Dub.
Precipitated Chalk.
Take of
Water of muriate of lime, any quantity.
Add as much carbonate of soda, dissolved in four times its
weight of distilled warm water, as is sufficient to precipitate
the chalk. Wash the matter which falls to the bottom three
times, by pouring on, each time, a sufficient quantity of wa-
ter. Lastly, having collected it, dry it upon a chalk stone, or
paper.
This preparation affords carbonate of lime in its purest state,
and, although expensive, may be employed when it is intended
for internal use.
Officinal P reparations.
Hydrargyrus cum creta. D.
Electuarium aromaticum. D.
Mistura cretacea. D.
SOLUTIO MURIATIS CALCIS. Ed.
Solution of Muriate of Lime.
Aojja Muriatis Calcis. D.
Water of Muriate of Lime.
C— -Calx.— Solutio Muriatis Calcis. 269
Take of
Chalk, in coarse powder, one ounce;
Diluted muriatic acid, two ounces.
Gradually add the chalk to the acid, and, after the effervescence
is finished, strain.
From the difficulty of crystallizing this salt, it is directed by
the Edinburgh college to be evaporated to the total expulsion
of its water of crystallization, as being the surest way of obtain-
ing a solution of uniform strength. With the same view, the
Dublin college saturate muriatic acid of a given strength; and
Dr. Wood directs, that the solution should always have a deter-
minate specific gravity.
The crystals of this salt are prisms of six smooth and equal
sides, but they are often so aggregated, that they can only be
termed acicular. Its taste is pungent, bitter, and disagreeable.
When heated, it melts, swells, and loses its water of crystalliza-
tion, and, at a very high temperature, a small part of its acid. It
is one of the most deliquescent salts known, and is so soluble,
that water seems capable of dissolving twice its weight, or, at
least, forms with it a viscid liquor; but as it is still capable of at-
tracting moisture from the air, and of emitting caloric, when far-
ther diluted, it can scarcely be considered as a true solution. It
is soluble in alcohol, and its solution burns with a crimson flame.
It is decomposed by the sulphuric, nitric, phosphoric, fluoric,
andboracic, acids; by baryta, potass, soda, and strontia; by most
of the sulphates, sulphites, nitrates, phosphates, fluates, borates,
and the alkaline carbonates. Crystallized, it contains 31 acid, 44
lime, and 25 water; dried at a red heat, 42 acid, 50 lime, and
8 water.
Medical use. It was first proposed as a Medicine by Fourcroy,
and has been lately extolled in scrofulous and glandular diseases,
and cases of debility in general, by several eminent practitioners
of our own country, Dr. Beddoes, Dr. R. Pearson, and Dr.
Wood. Thirty drops of the solution are a sufficient dose for chil-
dren, and a drachm for adults, repeated twice or thrice a-day.
In an over-dose it has produced qualms and sickness; and three
drachms and a half killed a dog, the stomach of which, upon dis-
section, had its villous coat bloodshot, and in many parts almost
black, and converted into a gelatinous slime. The property of
this salt, of producing intense cold during its solution, might also
be applied to medical use. For this purpose it might be econo-
mically prepared, by saturating with muriatic acid the residuuro_
of the distillation of ammonia or of carbonate of ammonia.
Officinal PitEPABAfioys.
Creta praecipitata. D.
Alcohol. D.
270 Materia Mcdica.
CAMPHORA. Vide Laurus Camphora.
CANCER.
The Crab. A genus of crustaceous insects.
Chela. L. Calculi oculi dicti; Chela. D.
CANCER ASTACUS. Lapilli. Ed.
The craw-fsh. Crabs stones, vulgarly called Crabs eyes.
Crabs stones are generally about the size of peas, or larger; of
a spherical shape, but a little flatted on one side; of a white co-
lour; but sometimes with a reddish or bluish cast, and internally
of a laminated structure.
These concretions are found in the stomach, one on each side,
at the time when the crab changes its shell, and also renews the
inner membrane of the stomach, which commonly happens in
the month of August. They afterwards gradually disappear,
and no stones are found after the new shell has acquired its full
degree of firmness. They therefore seem to furnish the materials
for the induration of the new shell. They are brought in great
numbers from Poland and Russia, especially from the province
of Astracan, where the craw-fish are either bruised with wooden
mallets, or laid up in heaps to putrefy, when the flesh is washed
away with water, and the stones picked out.
They consist of carbonate of lime, combined with a little phos-
phate of lime and gelatine. The quantity of the two last is too
small, and their action on the living body too inconsiderable to
make any considerable difference in meclical properties, between
these concretions and soft carbonate of lime, as it occurs in the
mineral kingdom.
Crabs stones are said by most writers on the materia medica
to be frequently counterfeited with tobacco-pipe clay, or compo-
sitions of chalk with mucilaginous substances. This piece of
fraud, if really practised, may be very easily discovered; the
counterfeits wanting the leafy texture which is observed upon
breaking the genuine; more readily imbibing water; adhering to
the tongue; and dissolving in vinegar, or the stronger acids, di-
luted with water, either entirely, or not at all, or by piecemeal;
whilst the true crabs stones, digested in these liquors, become
soft and transparent, their original form remaining the same, as
the organization of the gelatine is not altered by the acid.
Officinal Preparation.
Cancrorum lapilli praeparati,E. vide Car bonas calcis pr apparatus*
C— Canella Alba. 271
CANCER PAGURUS. Chelae. Ed.
The black-clawed crab. The claws.
This species of crab inhabits the sea, and is found especially
in the North sea. Its claws are yellow, tipt with black, and in
every respect they resemble the former article.
Officinal Preparations.
Cancrorum chelae praeparatse, l. d. vide Carbonas calcisprceparatus.
Trochisci cretse, L. - Trochisci.
Pal vis chelarum cancri compositus, L. Pulveres.
CANELLA ALBA. Cortex. Ed.L.
WlNTERANIA CANELLA. D.
Canella alba. The bark.
Willd.g. 942. sp. 1. — Dodecandria Monogynia. — Nat. ord. Ole-
racece.
The Canella alba, or, as the Dublin college name it, the Win-
terania canella, is a tall tree, which is very common in Jamaica,
and other West-India islands.
The canella is the interior bark, freed from an outward thin
rough one, and dried in the shade. The shops distinguish two
sorts of canella, differing from each other in the length and thick-
ness of the quills: they are both the bark of the same tree, the
thicker being taken from the trunk, and the thinner from the
branches.
It is brought to us rolled up in long quills, thicker than cinna-
mon, and both outwardly and inwardly of a whitish colour, light-
ly inclining to yellow. It is a warm pungent aromatic, not of the
most agreeable kind; nor are any of the preparations of it very
grateful. Infusions of it in water are of a yellowish colour, and
smell of the canella; but they are rather bitter than aromatic.
Tinctures in rectified spirit have the warmth of the bark, but little
of its smell. Proof spirit dissolves the aromatic as well as the
bitter matter of the canella, and is therefore the best menstruum.
It must not be confounded with the bark of the wintera aroma-
tica.
Medical use. — Canella alba is often employed where a warm
stimulant to the stomach is necessary, and as a corrigent of other
articles. It is useful as covering the taste of some other a rticles.
272 Materia Medku.
Officinal Preparation.
Tinctura gentians composita, E. vide Tincturee,
CANTHARIDES. Vide Meloe.
CAPSICUM ANNUUM. Fructus. Ed.
Piper Indicum. Capsular. L. D.
Cockspur pepper. The pod.
Willd. g. 314. sp. 1. — Pentandria Monogynia. — Nat. ord. Solo*
nacece.
This is an annual plant, a native of South America, but culti-
vated in large quantities in the West-India islands; and it will
even ripen its fruit in Great Britain.
The pods of this species are long, pointed, and pendulous, at
first of a green colour, and afterwards of a bright orange red.
They are filled with a dry loose pulp, and contain many small,
flat, kidney-shaped seeds. The taste of capsicum is extremely
pungent and acrimonious, setting the mouth as it were on fire.
The pungency of Cayenne pepper is soluble in water and in
alcohol, is not volatile, reddens infusions of turnsole, and is preci-
pitated by infusion of galls, nitrate of mercury, muriate of mercu-
ry, nitrate of silver, sulphate of copper, sulphate of zinc, red sul-
phate of iron, (but not blue or green) ammonia, carbonate of pot-
ass, alum, but not by sulphuric, nitric, or muriatic, acid, or sili-
cized potass.
Cayenne pepper is an indiscriminate mixture of the powder of
the dried pods of many species of capsicum, but especially of the
capsicum frutescens or bird pepper, which is the hottest of all.
Cayenne pepper, as it comes to us from the West- Indies, chang-
es infusion of turnsole to a beautiful green, probably owing to
the muriate of soda, which is always added to it, and red oxide
of lead, with which it is said to be mixed.
Medical use. — These peppers have been chiefly used as a condi-
ment. They prevent flatulence from vegetable food, and have a
warm and kindly effect in the stomach, possessing all the virtues
of the oriental spices, without, according to Dr. Wright, produc-
ing those complaints of the head which the latter are apt to occa-
sion. An abuse of them, however, gives rise to visceral obstruc-
tions, especially of the liver. But of late they have been employed
C. — Carbo Ligni, 273
also in the practice of medicine. There can be little doubt that
they furnish us with one of the purest and strongest stimulants
which can be introduced into the stomach; while at the same time
they have nothing of the narcotic effects of alcohol or opium. Dr.
Adair Makitrick, who first introduced them into the practice of
medicine, found them useful, particularly in that morbid dispo-
sition which he calls Cachexia Africana, and which he considers
as a most frequent and fatal predisposition to disease among the
slaves. Dr. Wright says, that in dropsical and other complaints,
where chalybeates are indicate*!, a minute portion of powdered
capsicum forms an excellent addition, and recommends its use in
lethargic affections. This pepper has been also successfully em-
ployed in a species of cynanche maligna, which proved very fatal
in the West-Indies, resisting the use of Peruvian bark, wine, and
the other remedies commonly employed. In tropical fevers, co-
ma and delirium are common attendants; and in such cases, ca-
taplasms of capsicum have a speedy and happy effect. They red*
den the parts, but seldom blister, unless when kept on too long.
In ophthalmia from relaxation, the diluted juice of capsicum is
a sovereign remedy. Dr. Adair gave six or eight grains for a
dose, made into pills, or prepared a tincture, by digesting half an
ounce of the pepper in a pound of alcohol, the dose of which was
one or two drachms diluted with water.
CARBO LIGNI.
Charcoal of wood.
A PLACE has been given to this substance, because it is em-
ployed by the Edinburgh college in the preparation of the muri-
ate of baryta, although it does not enter their list of materia
medica.
Charcoal, as it is commonly prepared, is not a pure oxide of
carbon, but contains also a notable proportion of hydrogen, from
which it may be purified by exposing it for some time to a strong
heat. Munch directs, that for medical use it be reduced to fine
powder, and heated in a covered crucible as long as any flame ap-
pears, on removing the cover, and until it be fully red. It is to be
allowed to cool in the furnace, the upper layer of the powder to
be removed, and the remainder to be sealed accurately up in
ounce vials.
Medical use. — When the pneumatic pathology was in fashion,
and phthisis and similar diseases were ascribed to hyper-oxyge-
nation of the system, charcoal was strongly recommended as a
powerful disoxygenizing remedy, and cases of its successful em-
ployment are even recorded. From its acknowledged effects in
2M
274 Materia Medica.
correcting the putridity of animal substances, it is probable that
the virtues ascribed to it of preventing the putrid eructations
which take place in some kinds of dyspepsia are better founded.
Ten grains may be given for a dose. As an external application,
powdered charcoal has been recommended in the cure of inflam-
mation from external causes, gangrene, and all descriptions of
fetid ulcers. The good effects of charcoal, or burnt bread, used
as a tooth powder, in correcting the bad smell which the breath
sometimes acquires from carious teeth are undoubted.
In this place it will not be superfluous to notice the power as-
cribed to charcoal of purifying various fetid or discoloured fluids.
Lowitz found that it destroyed the adventitious colour and smell
of vinegar, carbonate of ammonia, tartaric acid, alcohol, super-
tartrate of potass, ay*d other salts, and that it prevented water
from becoming putrid at sea, especially when assisted by a lit*
tie sulphuric acid. Meat which has acquired a mawkish, or even
putrid smelly is also said to be rendered perfectly sweet by rub-
bing it with powdered charcoal.*
Pharmaceutical Preparation.
Murias baryta?, E. - vide Baryta.
* Carbon, in a state of perfect purity, is well known by the name of diamond.
It possesses the highest degree of lustre, transparency and hardness. It is crys-
tallized and generally colourless. Its specific gravity is from 5.44 to 3.55. It is
soluble in water, and can neither be melted nor vaporized by caloric. It is not
acted upon by any chemical agent, except oxygen at very high temperatures.
When exposed in oxygen gas to the rays of the sun, concentrated by a very
powerful lens, its surface becomes sensibly blackened; it is ignited, aad at last
consumed. The result of this combustion is carbonic acid gas; 100 parts of
which consist of 17.88 of carbon, and 82.12 of oxygen. It combines with iron,
forming steel. It is a constituent of almost all animal and vegetable substances;
and an oxide of carbon is obtained from them by exposing them to heat in
closed vessels.
Primary Compounds of Carbon.
A. Binary.
a With oxygen :
1. Combustible coal; (plumbago;)
g. Charcoal (carbonous oxide.) *>- oxides.
3. Gaseous oxide of carbon (carbonic oxide gas.)
4. Carbonic acid.
b. With metals; carburets.
B- Ternary with oxygen
and hydrogen:
1. Oxides.
a Hydro-carbonous.
~h. Resins.
b. AJcohol.
/. Camphor.
c. Ether.
k. Starch.
d. Fixed oil and fats.
/. Sugar.
e. Wax.
on. Jelly.
f. Adipocere.
n. Tannin.
£. Volatile oils
C. — Carbonas. 275
CARBONAS.— CARBONATE.
Carbonate is a generic name for the combinations of the car-
bonic acid with earths, alkalies, and metallic oxides.
The nature of these substances was totally unknown, until the
year 1756, when the genius of Dr. Black at once removed the
veil, and displayed to his contemporaries a new and immense field,
in which the most important discoveries might be made; and
to their ardour in cultivating it, we are indebted for the present
state of chemical knowledge.
Before the brilliant epoch we have mentioned, the carbonates
were supposed to be simple bodies; and the fact of their acquiring
new and caustic properties by the action of fire, was attempted to
2. Acids.
a. Acetic. k. Mucic.
b. Oxalic i. Benzoic.
C. Tartaric k. Succinic.
d. Citric t. Camphoric.
e. Malic. m* Suberic.
f. Lactic. n. Laccic.
g. Gallic. o. Sebacic.
C. Quaternary with nitrogen, hydrogen, and carbon.
1. Oxides.
a. Gum. i. Indigo.
b. Tragacanth. k. Lignin.
c. Extractive. A Suber.
d. Gum-resin. ?n. Caoutchouc
e. Bitter principle. n. Gelatin.
f. Narcotic principle. o. Albumen.
g . Acrid principle. /»• Fibrin.
h. Cinchonin. <?. Urea.
2 Acids.
a. Prussic. f. Amnio
b. Uric.
Plumbago and incombustible coal contain carbon in the first degree of oxyge-
nizement. The most remarkable known property of this oxide, is the very high
temperature necessary for its combustion.
Common charcoal of wood (carbonous oxide) is carbon in the second degree
of oxygenizement, consisting of 63. 86 of carbon, and 36.14 of oxygen. It has
neither smell nor taste. It is brittle and never crystallized. It absorbs light
strongly, is perfectly refractory in the fire, insoluble in water, and a bad con-
ductor of caloric, but an excellent one of electricity. At a red heat, it burns
rapidly in oxygen gas; 28 of charcoal and 62 of oxygen, forming 100 of car-
bonic acid gas. It also burns in atmospheric air, but less vividly.
Gaseous oxide of carbon (carbonic oxide gas) is carbon in its third degree of
oxygenizement. It is invisible and elastic; specific gravity 0.001167. It does
not support combustion or respiration. With oxygen gas it burns with a lam-
bent blue flame, and is converted entirely into carbonic acid without producing
any moisture. It has no affinity for lime. It consists of 25.99 carbon, and 74.11
oxygen; or 40.41 charcoal, and 59 59 oxygen.
276 Materia Medica.
be explained by supposing that the particles of the fire combined
with them. Dr. Black, however, demonstrated by proofs which
carried universal conviction along with them, that these bodies
in their caustic state are simple, and that their mildness is owing
to their being combined with an acid, to which the name of car-
bonic is now given.
The carbonates always preserve their alkaline properties in
some slight degree. They are decomposed by all the acids, form-
ing a brisk effervescence, (which is colourless,) when any of the
stronger acids are poured upon them. This phenomenon is owing
to these acids displacing, by their greater affinity, the carbonic
acid, which flies off in the form of a gas.
The carbonates may be also deprived of their carbonic acid,
either by the action of heat alone, or by heating them when mix-
ed with charcoal, which decomposes the carbonic acid by com-
bining with part of its oxygen, so that both the acid and the char-
coal are converted into carbonic oxide gas.
The carbonates may be divided into three great families, the
alkaline, the earthy, and the metallic.
Family l.The alkaline carbonates have an urinous taste, tinge
vegetable blues green, and are soluble in water, and insoluble in
alcohol.
Family 2. The earthy carbonates are insipid, and insoluble in
water, but soluble in water saturated with carbonic acid.
Family 3. The metallic carbonates scarcely differ in appear-
ance from the metallic oxides.
Carbonic acid gas is transparent, colourless, without smell,
irrespirable, and incapable of supporting inflammation; its spe-
cific gravity is 0.0018. Water absorbs an equal bulk of it at 41°,
acquiring a specific gravity of 1.0015, and an agreeable acidity
and sparkling appearance, especially if heated to 88°. It is sepa-
rated from water by freezing or boiling. It is also absorbed by
alcohol, oil of turpentine, and olive oil. It contains 17.88 carbon,
and 82.12 oxygen, or 28 charcoal and 72 oxygen. Its compounds
are denominated Carbonates.
Officinal.
Carbonas baryta?,
calcis,
-
vide Baryta,
Calx.
magnesiae,
potassae,
sodae,
-
3fagnesia,
Potass a.
Soda.
ammonia?,
-
. - Ammonia.
zinci,
-
Zincum.
ferri,
-
* Ferrunu
C. — Carum Carui. 277
CARDAMINE PRATENSIS. Petala, folia. Ed.
Cardamine. Flos. L.
Ladies smock. The petals and leaves.
Willd.g. 1257. sp. 19. — Tetradynamia Siliquosa — Nat. ord. Si~
liquosa.
The Cardamine is a perennial plant, which grows in meadow-
grounds, sends forth purplish flowers in the spring; and in its sen-
sible qualities resembles the sisymbrium nasturtium.
Medical use. — Long ago it was employed as a diuretic; and of
late it has been introduced in nervous diseases, as epilepsy, hys-
teria, chorea, asthma, &c. A drachm or two of the powder is
given twice or thrice a day. It has little sensible operation, ex-
cept that it sometimes acts as a diaphoretic.
CARUM CARUI. Semen. Ed.
Carui. Semina. D. Caruon. Semen. L.
Caraway. The seeds.
Willd.g. 561. sp.l. — Pentandria Digynia. — Nat. ord. Umbellate.
D. Karivey, Veldkomyn. P. Alcaravia, Alchirtvia) Chi-
DA. Kummen, Dansk Kumme7i, rivia.
Karve. ■ POL. Karuy, Kmin fwlny,
F. Carvu Cumin des fires. R. Dikii Timon.
G. Kuemmel. S. Atcaravea.
I. Carui. vSW. Kummin, Brodkumin,Karf.
Caraway is a biennial umbelliferous plant, cultivated in gar-
dens, both for culinary and medicinal use. The seeds have an aro-
matic smell, and warm pungent taste.
Medical use. — They are employed as a stomachic and carmina-
tive in flatulent colics and the like.
Officinal Preparations.
Oleum volatile carui, L. D. - vide Olea volatilia.
Spiritus cari carui, E. L. D. - Spiritus destillati.
Decoctum anthemidis nobilis, E. Decocta.
Tinctura cardamomi composita, L. D. Tinctura'.
senna?, L. D. - Idem.
Confectio opiata, L. - Electuaria.
Emplastrum cumini, L. - Unguent a.
278 Materia Medica.
CASSENA.
Ilex Vomitoria ofAiton.
South-sca~tea; Evergreen Cassine; Cusseena — Yaiipon, or Topon.
This is a native of Carolina, West- Florida, &c. and is thought
to be one of the most powerful diuretics hitherto discovered. It
also vomits severely. It is much esteemed by the southern In-
dians.*
CASSIA.
Willd. g. 813. Decandria Monogynia. — Nat. ord. Lo?nentace*ct.
CASSIA FISTULA. Ed. Sp. 18.
Cassia Fistularis. Fructus. Pulpa. L. D.
Cassia tree. The fruit.
D. Kassie, Pyfikassie, Riet- I. Cassia Jistola.
kassie, Purgeerende P. Cassia fiurgante, Canajis-
Kassie. tula.
DA. Cassia, Roercassia. POL. Fistula.
F. Casse solutive, Casse en R. Kassia.
batons ou en canons, S. Canafistola, Casia pur-
Cane/ice, Casscfistule. gante, Casia Jistola.
G. Kassia, Rochrenkassia, S\V. Cassia, Roercassia.
Purgier Kassia.
This tree is indigenous in India and Egypt, and is cultivated
in Jamaica. It rises to about thirty feet high, and has long flow-
er spikes, with yellow papilionaceous blossoms.
Its fruit is a cylindrical pod, a foot or more in length, and
scarcely an inch in diameter: the outside is a hard brown bark;
the inside is divided by thin transverse woody plates, covered
with a soft black pulp, of a sweetish taste, with some degree of
acrimony. There are two sorts of this drug in the shops; one
brought from the East Indies, the other from the West, (Cassia
Javanica?) the canes or pods of the latter are generally large,
rough, thick -rined, and the pulp nauseous; those of the former
are less, smoother, the pulp blacker, and of a sweeter taste; this
sort is preferred to the other. Such pods should be chosen as are
weighty, new, and do not make a rattling noise (from the seeds
* Barton's Collections, parti, p. 36.
C. — Cassia Senna. 279
being loose within them) when shaken. The pulp should be of a
bright, shining, black colour, and have a sweet taste, neither
harsh, which happens from the fruit being gathered before it has
grown fully ripe, nor sourish, which it is apt to become upon
keeping, not at all mouldy, which, from its being kept in damp
cellars, or moistened, in order to increase its weight, it is very
subject to be. Greatest part of the pulp dissolves both in water
and in alcohol; and may be extracted from the pod by either.
The shops employ water, boiling the bruised pod therein, and af-
terwards evaporating the solution to a due consistence.
Medical use. — The pulp of Cassia, from its saccharine and ex-
tractive constituents, is a gentle laxative medicine, and is fre-
quently given, in a dose of some drachms, in costive habits. Some
direct a dose of two ounces or more as a cathartic, in inflamma-
tory cases, where the more acrid purgatives are improper; but
in these large quantities it generally excites nausea, produces fla-
tulencies, and sometimes gripings of the bowels, especially if the
cassia benot of a very good kind: these effects may be prevented
by the addition of aromatics, and by exhibiting it in a liquid
form.
Officinal Preparations.
Pulpa expressa, E. L. - vide Sue. inspissali.
Electuarium cassia? fistuhe, E. L. D. Electuaria.
sennae, E. L. - Idem.
CASSIA SENNA. Sp. 24. Ed.
Senna. Folia. L. D.
Senna. The leaves.
D. Senebladen. P. Sene, Senna.
DA. Se?nsblader. POL. Sene, Senna.
V. Sent, Sene en f cuttles. R. Senetniie listil.
G. Senna, Senesblatter. S. Sen, Sena.
I- Sefia. SW. Sennctsblader.
This species of cassia is annual, although in its mode of growth
it resembles a shrub, and sends out hollow wooden stems, to the
height of four feet. It grows principally in Upper Egypt, from
whence the leaves are brought, dried, and picked from the stalks,
to Alexandria in Egypt, and thence imported into Europe. Thev
are of an oblong figure, sharp-pointed at the ends, about a quar-
ter of an inch broad, and not a full inch in length, of a lively, yel-
lowish green colour, a faint, not very disagreeable smell, and a
280 Materia Medica.
sub-acrid, bitterish, nauseous taste. Some inferior sorts are
brought from other places. These may easily be distinguished by
their being either narrower, longer, and sharper pointed, from
Mocha; or larger, broader, and round pointed, with small pro-
minent veins, from Italy; or larger and obtuse, of a fresh green
colour, without any yellow cast, from Tripoli.
It has been customary to reject the pedicles of the leaves of
6enna, as causing gripes and pains in the bowels; but this is a
mere prejudice, for both leaves and pedicles act in the very same
way. Neumann from 480 parts of senna got 143 alcoholic ex-
tract, and afterwards 140 watery; and inversely, 245 watery, and
only 28 alcoholic, so that it seems to consist chiefly of mucilage
and extractive.
Medical use. — Senna is a very useful cathartic, operating mildly
and yet effectually; and, judiciously dosed and managed, rarely
occasions the ill consequences which too frequently follow the
exhibition of the stronger purges. The only inconveniences com-
plained of in this drug are, its being apt to gripe, and its nauseous
flavour.
These are best obviated by adding to the senna some aromatic
substance, as ginger, cinnamon, &c. and by facilitating its opera-
tion by drinking plentifully of any mild diluent.
Senna may be given in substance to the extent of about a
drachm, but it is rather too bulky, and it is therefore better to
divide it into two doses, and to take the one half at night, and the
other in the morning. It is more conveniently given in the form
of infusion, which is generally made by pouring about six ounces
of boiling water upon from two to six drachms of senna leaves
in a tea-pot, and letting it stand about an hour. Senna ought
never to be ordered in decoction, Gren says, because it becomes
perfectly inert from the total dissipation of the nauseous and vo-
latile principle on which its purgative effects depend. The tinc-
ture, on account of the menstruum, cannot be given in doses
large enough to purge.
Officinal Preparations.
Infusum sennse, L. D. - vide Infusa.
sennse tartarisatum, L. - Idem.
tamarindi cum senna, E. - Idem.
Syrupus manna, D. Syrupi.
Tinctura sennse composita, E. L. D. - Tinctura.
Electuarium sennse, E. L. D. - Elcctuaria.
Extractum cassias sennae, E. L. D. - Ext r acta.
Pulvis sennae compositus, I„ Pulveres.
C. — Castoreunj. 281
CASSIA MARILANDICA.
Tins plant which is abundant in Americans of the same genus
with the senna of the shops, and it possesses nearly the same vir-
tues as the eastern species.* It is used as a purgative in different
parts of the United States, and from the high price of foreign
senna, certainly deserves to be more attended to.
CASTOR FIBER. Ed.
Materia infolliculis prope anum collecta.
Castoreum Rossicum. L. D.
Materia in folliculo prope anum sito collecta. L.
The Beaver, Cantor. The substance collected in the follicles neaf
the anus.
Mammalia rodentia, Cuvier.
D. Becvergtil. P. Cast or eo.
DA. Bavergel. VQL.Stroybobowry.
F. Castoreum. R. Bobrownja struja.
G. Bibergeil. S. Castor eo.
I. Castorio. SW. Bafvergdll.
The beaver is strongly characterized by its flat, horizontal,
scaly tail. It is an amphibious animal, and is found in the north-
ern parts of Europe, Asia, and America, on the banks of lakes
and rivers. In inhabited countries it is a solitary slothful animal,
but in desert regions it lives in society; the remarkable manners
cf which, and the immense works effected by the united labours
of all the individuals of their republic, have rendered the na-
tural history of this animal familiar to every one. In both sexes,
between the anus and pudendum, there are four follicles of an ob-
lpng shape, smaller above and larger below, formed of a tough
jnembrane, almost resembling leather. The two largest and
undermost of these, which are also connected, and lie parallel and
close to each other, contain an oily fluid secretion, which is the
substance known by the name of castor. It is preserved by cut-
ting out the entire bags, and drying them in the smoke.
The best castor comes from Russia, Prussia, and Poland. The
cods should be dry, gibbous, roundish, heavy, solid, and filled
with a solid substance, contained in membranous cells, somewhat
tough, but brittle, of a dark brown colour, of a peculiar, disa-
greeable, narcotic smell, and a nauseous, bitter, acrid taste. The
* Barton's Collections, Part I. p. 30.
* ' 2N
28% Materia Medica.
Canadian castor is of an inferior quality; the cods are smaller.,
thin, oblong, and much corrugated, and the castor itself has much"
less smell and taste: what is very old, quite black, and almost
destitute of smell and taste, is unfit for use, as well as the coun-
terfeited castor, which is a mixture of various gummy resins and
other substances, with a little real castor, artificially interspersed
with membranes, and stuffed into the scrotum of a goat. This
imposition is easily detected by the weaker degree of its smell
and taste, by chemical analysis, and even by mere external ex-
amination; for to the real bags, the two smaller and upper folli^
cles, filled with a fatty matter, are always attached.
Neumann got from 480 parts of castor, 140 alcoholic extract,
and afterwards 80 watery; inversely, 140 watery, and 20 alcoho-
lic. The first alcoholic extract retained the whole flavour of the
castor, as none of it rose in distillation with the alcohol. The dis-
tilled water, on the contrary, contained the whole flavour, and
the watery extract was merely bitter. Cartheuser obtained from
it a volatile oil by distillation.
Medical use* — Castor is an excellent antispasmodic. It is very
little heating, and acts particularly upon the uterine system.
It is given with advantage,
1. In typhoid fevers.
2. In spasmodic diseases, especially in hysteria and epilepsy,
and in cases of difficult parturition, from a spasmodic con-
traction of the nv>uth of the uterus after the membranes
have burst.
3. In amenorrhcea.
It is exhibited most advantageously in the form of powder, in
doses of from 10 to 20 grains, and in clysters to a drachm. Di-
luted alcohol extracts its virtues; therefore it may be also given
in the form of tincture. But its exhibition in the form of extract
or decoction is improper.
Officinal Preparation.
Tinctura castorei, E. L. D. - vide Tinctured
CATAPLASMAT A.— CATAPLASMS:
By cataplasms are in general understood those external appliv
cajtions which are brought to a due consistence or form for being
properly applied, not by means of oily or fatty matters, but by
water or watery fluids. Of these many are had recourse to in ac*
C. — Cataplasmata. 283
tual practice; but they are seldom prepared in the shops of the
apothecaries; and in some of the best modern pharmacopoeias no
formula of this kind is introduced. The London and Dublin col-
leges, however, although they have abridged the number of ca-
taplasms, still retain a few; and it is not without some advantage
that there are fixed forms for the preparation of them.
CATAPLASMA CUMINI. L.
Cataplasm of Cumin.
Take of
Cumin seed, one pound;
Bay berries,
Dry leaves of water germander, or scordium;,
Virginian snake root, of each three ounces;
Cloves, one ounce.
Rub them all together to powder; and, with the addition of thre£
times the weight of honey, make a cataplasm. (L.)
This was intended as a reformation of the Theriaca Londinefl-
sis, which for sometime past has been scarcely otherwise used
than as a warm cataplasm. In place of the numerous articles which
formerly entered that composition, only such of its ingredients
are retained as contribute most to this intention: but even the ar-
ticle from which it now derives its name, as well as several others
which still enter, probably contribute very little to any medical
properties it may possess.
CATAPLASMA ALUMINIS. L.
Cataplasm of Alum.
COAGULUM ALUMINOSUM. D.
Alum Curd.
Take of
The white of two eggs.
Shake them with a piece of alum till they be coagulated. (L.)
This preparation is taken from Riverius. It is a useful as-
tringent epithem for sore moist eyes. Where the complaint is
violent, this preparation, after the inflammation has yielded a little
to bleeding, is one of the best external remedies. Itisto be spread
on lint, and applied at bed-time.
284 Materia Medica.
CATAPLASMA SINAPEOS. L.
Cataplasma Sinapinum. D.
Mustard Cataplasm*
Take of
Mustard seed, powdered,
Crumb of bread, of each half a pound;
Vinegar, as much as is sufficient.
Mix and make a cataplasm.
Cataplasms of this kind are commonly known by the name
of Sinapisms, They were formerly frequently prepared in a more
complicated state, containing garlic, black soap, and other simi-
lar articles; but the above simple form will answer every pur-
pose which they are capable of accomplishing. They are em-
ployed only as stimulants: they often inflame the part and raise
blisters, but not so perfectly as cantharides. They are frequently
applied to the soles of the feet in the low state of acute diseases,
for raising the pulse and relieving the head. The chief advan-
tage they have depends on the suddenness of their action.*
CENTAUREA BENEDICTA. Ed.
Carduus Benedictus. Herba. L. Folia, D.
Blessed Thistle, The leaves or plant,
$yngenesia PGlygamiafrustranea, — Nat. ord. Composite capitate*.
This is an annual plant, indigenous in the Grecian islands, and
cultivated in gardens: it flowers in June and July, and perfects
its seeds in the autumn. The herb should be gathered when in
flower, quickly dried, and kept in a very dry airy place, to prevent
its rotting or growing mouldy, which it is very apt to do. The
leaves have a penetrating bitter taste, not very strong or very
durable, accompanied with an ungrateful flavour, from which
they are in a great measure freed by keeping. Water extracts,
in a little time, even without heat, the lighter and more grateful
parts of this plant; if the digestion be continued for some hours,
the disagreeable parts are taken up. A strong decoction is very
* On this quickness of action a very important end in practice may be at-
tained, and which I have repeatedly pursued with the best effect, viz. to ap-
ply a mustard cataplasm (in pleurisy, &c. ) for an hour, or less, when the dis-
position to vesication is so strongly excited, that an epispastic will rise in half
its usual time, which in many cases is of the utmost corrsequenc*. American
Editor.
C. — Cephaelis Ipecacuanha. 285
nauseous and offensive to the stomach. Rectified spirit gains a
very pleasant bitter taste, which remains uninjured in the
extract.
Neumann got from 1920 parts 270 alcoholic, and afterwards
390 watery extract, and inversely 600 watery and 60 alcoholic.
The virtues of this plant seem to be little known in the present
practice. The nauseous decoction is sometimes used to provoke
vomiting; and a strong infusion to promote the operation of other
emetics. But this elegant bitter, when freed from the offensive
parts of the herb, may be advantageously applied to other pur-
poses. Excellent effects have been frequently experienced from a
slight infusion of carduus in loss of appetite, where the stomach
was injured by irregularities. A stronger infusion made in cold
or warm water, if drunk freely, and the patient kept warm, occa-
sions a plentiful sweat, and promotes the secretions in general.
The extract prepared, by evaporating the expressed juice,
with the addition of a little alcohol to prevent it from becoming
mouldy, has been strongly recommended in the catarrh of
children.
The seeds of this plant are also considerably bitter, and have
been sometimes used with the same intention as the leaves.
CEPHAELIS IPECACUANHA.
Ipecacuanha. Radix, Ed. L. D.
Ipecacuan. The root.
Willd.g. 357. species nova. — Pentandria Monogynia. — Nat. ord.
Aggregates*
D.
Braakivortel Roodenloop-
I.
Ifiecocacanua.
wortel.
P.
Cipo de camaras) Ipecacu
DA
Broekrod.
anah.
F.
Ipecacuanha.
S.
Ipecacitana.
G.
Amerikanische Brechwur-
zel) Ruhrwurzel.
sw.
Krakrot.
This plant is perennial, and growrs in Brazil in moist woody
situations. Notwithstanding the root has been so long in general
use, the plant to which it belonged was not satisfactorily ascer-
tained until very lately, when a complete monography of it, ar
an excellent plate were published in the sixth volume of thv
Transactions of the Linnaean Society, by Professor Brotero,who
calls it the Callicocca Ipecacuanha; but the genus Callicocca has
been united by Willdenow with that of Cephaelis, to which we
haye therefore referred it.
286 Materia Medica.
The plate of Broiero corresponds with that published in Wood-
ville's Medical Botany, vol. 3, from a plant sent in spirits from
Brazil by Governor Philips to Sir Joseph Banks, but which un-
fortunately was not in flower, and also with the rude draught of
Piso, who first examined it. It likewise agrees in many essential
characters, though not in all, with the description given of the
Psychotria Emetica of Dr. Mutis. Indeed, the genera of
Psychotria and Cephaelis are not sufficiently distinguished.*
The root is brought from Spanish America. It is divided into
two sorts, Peruvian and Brazilian: but the eye distinguishes
three, ash-coloured or grey, brown, and white. The ash-coloured,
or Peruvian ipecacuan of the shops, is a small wrinkled root, bent
and contorted into a great variety of figures, brought over in short
pieces full of wrinkles, and deep circular fissures, quite down to
a small white woody fibre that runs in the middle of each piece:
the cortical part is compact, brittle, looks smooth and resinous
upon breaking: it has very little smell; the taste is bitterish and
subacrid, coveringthe tongue as it were with a kind of mucilage.
The brown ipecacuan is small, and somewhat more wrinkled than
the foregoing; its bark is of a brown or blackish colour without,
and white within; this is brought from Brazil, and is the root of
the cephaelis. The white sort is woody, has no wrinkles, and no
perceptible bitterness in taste. It is probably the root of a viola.
The first sort, the ash-coloured or grey ipecacuan, is that usually
preferred for medicinal use. The brown has been sometimes ob-
served, even in a small dose, to produce violent effects. The
white, though taken in a large one, has scarce any effect at all.
Besides these, the name of Ipecacuan is given to various spe-
cies of Cynanchum, Asclepias, Euphorbia, Dorstenia, and Ru-
ellia. With regard to their comparative strength, Decandolle
says, that vomiting is produced by 22 grains of the Cynanchum
Ipecacuanha, 24 of the Psycotria emetica, 60 to 72 of the Vio-
la calceolaria, and one to three drachms of the Viola Ipecacu-
anha.
Ipecacuan was first brought into Europe about the middle of
last century, and an account of it published at the same time by
Piso; but it did not come into general use till about the yea*
1686, when Helvetius, under the patronage of Lewis XIV, in-
troduced it into practice. This root is one of the mildest and
safest emetics with which we are acquainted; and has this pecu-
liar advantage, that when it does not operate by vomiting, it pas-
ses off by other emunctories.
Neumann got from 7680 parts 1440 alcoholic, and afterwards
1880 watery extract, and inversely 2400 watery, and 600 alcoho-
lic-. The tincture of ipecacuan does not redden infusion of lit-
* Professor Barton accedes to the opinion that the Ipecacuanha is of the ge-
mis Callicocca. See PMIadelphia Medical and Physical Journal, Vol. I.pc 171.
C. — Cephaelis Ipecacuanha. 287
mus, it is precipitated by water, after which it does not precipi-
tate a solution of gelatine, but is precipitated by red sulphate of
iron, and readily acquires a green colour from excess of the cha-
lybeate, and precipitates infusion of gall nuts. Dr. Irvine ascer-
tained that the watery solution is much more powerfully emetic
than the alcoholic; that the cortical is more active than the lig-
neous part; and that the whole root possesses considerable influ-
ence, both as an antiseptic and astringent; that the distilled water
has very little influence; but that the decoction which remained
in the still, operated violently as an emetic, produced rigours,
cold sweats, and other alarming symptoms; that by long continu-
ed boiling, the activity of the root is almost totally destroyed;
and that the emetic property of ipecacuan was most effectually
counteracted by means of the acetous acid, insomuch that thirty
grains of the powder taken in two ounces of vinegar, produced
only some loose stools.
From these experiments it evidently appears, that ipecacuan
contains cinchonin and a resin, and that its emetic property does
not depend upon the latter, although we can scarcely attribute it to
the former, as in other substances it does not manifest any emetic
property. It is therefore probably owing to some other principle
soluble in water and alcohol. Others have found, that the resinous
part is more apt to act upon the intestinal canal, and to operate
"by stool.
Medical use. — The primary effect of ipecacuan is that of stimu-
lating the stomach. If the dose be sufficiently large, it excites
vomiting, by inverting the peristaltic motion of the stomach and
duodenum; in a smaller dose, it only produces nausea, and ope-
rates by stool; and in still smaller doses, it generally stimulates
the stomach, increases the appetite, and facilitates digestion. Its
secondary effects depend on the sympathy of other parts with the
stomach; and in this way only can we explain its action as an anti-
spasmodic, diaphoretic, expectorant, and in checking hemorrha-
gies. Its beneficial effects in some cases also seem to be owing
to the general concussion given to the whole system during tKe
action of vomiting.
Ipecacuan, properly administered, often proves serviceable*
1. In intermittent fevers. It has frequently succeeded in
stopping these, when given about an hour before an acces-
sion was expected, and also when given so as to produce
vomiting at the time of an accession, or at the end of the
cold stage.
2. In continued fevers. Its beneficial effects are very decided
in the commencement of typhus fever. An emetic, suc-
ceeded by a diaphoretic regimen, when administered suf-
ficiently early in this disease, very frequently cuts it short
288 Materia Medica.
at once, and when it fails in this desirable object, it always
has a beneficial influence on the progress of the fever.
3. In inflammatory diseases, rheumatism, bubo, swelled tes-
ticle.
4. In exanthematous diseases, when the eruption is dispo-
sed to recede.
5. In hemorrhagies, when given in nauseating doses.
6. In profluvia, especially in dysentery, so much so, that i{
was formerly esteemed a specific against that disease.
But Cullen attributes its good effects in this instance to
its producing a steady determination of the peristaltic
motion of the intestines downwards, when given in re-
peated small doses.
7. In many spasmodic diseases; in epilepsy; asthma; dysp-
noea; pertussis; chronic diarrhoea; hysteria; melancholia;
mania.
8. In cachectic diseases, as in some kinds of dropsy.
9. In impetiginous diseases; in jaundice.
10. In local diseases; in amaurosis, and several of the dysp-
rexiae.
11. Lastly, in every instance when we wish to evacuate the
stomach, as when it is overloaded with food, or when poi-
son, especially opium, has been swallowed.
The use of ipecacuan, as an emetic, is contra-indicated,
1. Where there is a disposition to hemorrhagy.
2. Where there is an increased flow of blood towards the
head.
3. In very irritable subjects.
4. In pregnant women, and persons afflicted with hernia.
Ipecacuan is exhibited,
1. In substance; in powder. Full vomiting will generally be
produced in an adult by a scruple or half a drachm, and
though less might answer the purpose, fortunately an over
dose is scarcely attended with any inconvenience, as the
whole of it is vomited with the contents of the stomach
as soon as it operates. The vomiting is promoted and fa-
cilitated by drinking copiously of warm watery fluids. On
the contrary, when vomiting is not intended, liquids must
be rather drunk sparingly, and the dose must be dimi-
nished to a grain or less. In such small doses it is conve-
niently combined with any proper adjunct, in the form of
powder, pill, or bolus.
2. In infusion. One drachm may be infused in four ounces
of water, and taken in repeated doses till it operate.
3. Infused in wine.
C— Cera. 289
Ipecacuannot only checks the narcotic effects of opium, and is
therefore one of the best antidotes for its poison, but recipro-
cally the emetic powers of ipecacuan are checked by the addition
of opium, and the combination operates by increasing the cuti-
cular discharge.
Officinal Preparations.
Vinum ipecacuanhas, E. L. D. - vide Vina medicata.
Pulvis ipecacuanhas etopii, E. L. D. - Pulveres.
CERA.— WAX.
D. IVasc/u P. Cera.
DA. Vox. POL. JVosk.
F. Cire. R. Wosk.
G. Hack*. S. Cera.
I. Cera. SW. Vax.
CERA FLAVA. Ed. L. D.
Yellow wax.
Wax is a solid, of considerable consistence, granulated and
crystalline in its fracture, of a white colour, and without any re-
markable odour or taste. It softens and becomes plastic when very
slightly heated; at 142° it melts; at a higher temperature it is in
part vaporized and decomposed, and its vapour is inflammable.
It resists in a remarkable degree the action of the acids; but in
most of its other properties it resembles the fixed oils. From its
combustion it appears to consist of carbon 53.12, hydrogen
16.91, and oxygen 29.97; or, according to the former calculation,
of 82.28 charcoal, and 17.72 hydrogen.
For this useful substance we are indebted to the common ho-
ney bee, {apis mellificd), an insect belonging to the class of Hy-
menoptera mellita of Cuvier. It is, however, a vegetable produc-
tion, and is collected by the bees from the surface of leaves, and
the antherae of flowers. They employ it to form the combs in
which the honey and larvae are deposited.
It is found in the shops in round cakes, which are formed by
melting the combs, after all the honey has been expressed from
them, in hot water. The wax swims above, and the impurities
either sink to the bottom, or are dissolved in the water. When
recent, it is tenacious, but brittle, of a yellow colour, and sweet
20
290 Materia Medica.
honey-like smell; dry, not greasy, to the feel; insoluble in water,
alcohol and ether; soluble in the fat oils and alkalies; fusible and
inflammable. In selecting it, we should observe that the cakes
be brittle, have a pleasant yellow colour, an agreeable smell, no
taste, do not adhere to the teeth when chewed, and burn entirely
away. When adulterated with resin, the fraud is detected by its
taste, and the action of alcohol, which dissolves the resin. When
mixed with pease meal, or earthy substances, it is more brittle,
of a paler colour, and may be separated from them by liquefaction
and straining. When combined with tallow, it becomes less brit-
tle, but at the same time softer, and has an unpleasant smell.
CERA FLAVA PURIFICATA. Dub.
Purified Tellorv Wax.
Take of
Yellow wax, any quantity.
Melt it with a moderate heat, remove the scum, and after al-
lowing it to settle, pour it cautiously oft' from the faces.
Yellow wax is so often adulterated, that this process is by
no means unnecessary^
CERA ALBA. Ed. L. D.
White %v ax.
The yellow colour of beeswax, and its peculiar smell, may be
destroyed by the combined action of water, air, and the sun's
rays. In the process for bleaching wax, we therefore, extend its
surface as much as possible, by melting it and forming it into
thin plates, which are fully exposed to the sun's rays, upon linen
stretched in frames, and repeatedly moistened, until it acquires
the whiteness desired. It is then usually melted into thin disks.
White wax is more brittle, less fusible, and heavier than yellow
wax. It is sometimes mixed with white oxide of lead, or with
tallow. For medical use, it has no advantage over yellow wax.
Medical use. — When taken internally, wax agrees in its effects
with the fat oils, and though less frequently prescribed in this
way, it is preferable, it being less apt to become rancid. Poer-
ner recommends it as an excellent remedy in diseases of the in-
testines, attended with pain, excoriation, and obstinate diarrhoea.
He gave a scruple, or half a drachm of wax, three or four times
a-day, in the form of an emulsion, by melting it first with some
fixed oil, and then mixing it with a decoction of groats by tritu-
C— Cervus Elaphus. 291
ration with the yolk of an egg. But by far its principal use is for
the formation of cerates, ointments, plasters, &c.
Officinal Preparations.
Oxidum antimonii vitrificatum cum cera, E. vide Antimonium.
Wax enters likewise into the composition of most
of the various cerates, plasters, and ointments,
of the colleges. - Ungnenta.
CERATA.— CERATES. Vide Ungucnta.
CERUSSA. Vide Plumbum.
CERVUS ELAPHUS. Cornu. Ed.
Cornu Ceevinum. D.
Cervus. Cornu. L.
The stag or hart. The Jig ms*
This animal belongs to the class ?na?n?njzlia, order ruminant i 'a,
1 he male has two round solid horns on his forehead, with several
conical branches, the number of which ascertain the age of the
animal to which they belong. These horns fall off and are renew-
ed every year. When first reproduced, they are soft, full of blood-
vessels, and covered with a velvety skin, but they soon lose
their covering, and become hard, compact, and bony.
In their nature they do not seem to differ from bone except in
containing a larger proportion of cartilage. They afford a very
considerable quantity of gelatine by decoction with water, and
hartshorn shavings are still employed in domestic economy for
furnishing a nutritious and demulcent jelly. By the action of
fire, their products are the same with those of animal substances
in general; and they were formerly so much used for the prepa*
ration of ammonia, that it was commonly called Hartshorn. By
burning they are totally converted into phosphate of lime.
Officinal Preparations.
Cornu cervi ustum, L. D.
Liquor volatilis, sal, et oleum cornu cervi, L. D. vide Ammonia*
Oxidum antimonii cum phosphate calcis, E. L. D. Antimonium,
292 Materia Medica.
PHOSPHAS CALCIS.
Phosphate of Lime.
Cornu Cervi Ustio. L.
Cornu Cervinum Ustum. D.
Burnt Hartshorn,
Burn pieces of hartshorn till they become perfectly white; then
reduce them to a very fine powder. (L. D.)
The pieces of horn generally employed in this operation, are
those left after distillation.
In the burning of hartshorn, a sufficient fire and the free admis-
sion of air are necessary. The potter's furnace was formerly di-
rected for the sake of convenience; but any common furnace or
stove will do. Indeed too violent a heat makes their surface un-
dergo a kind of fusion and vitrification, which both prevents the
internal parts from being completely burnt, and renders the whole
less soluble. If the pieces of horn be laid on some lighted char-
coal, spread on the bottom of the grate, they will be burnt to
whiteness, still retaining their original form.
According to the analysis of Merat Guillot, hartshorn was
found to consist of 27. gelatine, 57,5 phosphate of lime, 1. car-
bonate of lime, and there was a loss of 14.5, probably water. Nowr
as the gelatine is destroyed by burning, and the water expelled,
the substance which remains is phosphate of lime, mixed with
less than two per cent, of carbonate of lime. The bones of ani-
mals have lately been discovered to contain phosphate of
magnesia.
Medical use, — From its white earthy appearance, it was for-
merly considered as an absorbent earth. But since it has been
accurately analyzed, that idea has been laid aside, and its use has
been suggested as a remedy in rickets, a disease in which the de-
ficiency of the natural deposition of phosphate of lime in the bones
seems to be the essential or at least most striking symptom. M.
Bonhomme, therefore, gave it to the extent of half a scruple,
mixed with phosphate of soda, in several cases with apparent
success. Whatever objections may be made to his theory, the
practice certainly deserves a trial.
Pharmaceutical Preparations,
Decoctum cornu cervi, L. - * vide Decocta.
Pulvis opiatus, L. Puheres.
Phosphas soda?, L, - - Soda.
C. — Chenopodium. — Chironia. 2&3
CHAMjEMELUM. Vide Anthemis-.
CHENOPODIUM ANTHELMINTICUM.
Worm seed. Jerusalem oak.
This plant grows plentifully in the United States, and is much
used for worms. The whole plant has a powerful smell, of which
it is very retentive. Its taste is bitter, with much arotnatic acri-
mony. The whole plant may be employed. The expressed juice
is used, in doses of a table-spoonful for a child of 2 or 3 years
old. The seeds are more employed, reduced to a fine powder,
and made into an electuary with syrup. Of this, a child of 2 or
3 years old may take a table-spoonful early in the morning; ab-
staining from nourishment for some hours: a like dose is given
at night. It is often necessary to continue this course for several
days. Great numbers of lumbrici are frequently discharged after
the use of a few doses of the medicine.*
CHIRONIA CENTAUREUM.
Gentiana Centaureum. Ed.
Centaureum Minus. Swnmitates Florentes. D. Cacuinen. L.
Smaller Centaury. The fioivering heads.
Willd. g. 394. sp. 9. Pentandria Monogynia. — Nat. ord. Rotaceoe.
This plant is annual, and grows wild in many parts of Eng-
land on barren pastures. It flowers between June and August.
The corolla is said to have no taste; and therefore the herb,
which is intensely bitter, should be preferred to the flowering
tops, which derive their virtues only from the stalks connected
with them. It agrees in every respect with our pure bitters.
Neumann got from 480 parts 210 alcoholic, and 140 watery
extract, and inversely 320 watery, and 40 alcoholic.
This plant is found native within the limits of the United
States.f
* Barton's Collections, Part I. p. 38, 60. Dr. Mease mentions the essential
oil of the seeds as being equally or more powerful. Medical Museum, vol 11. —
For a more particular account, see Dr. Wilkins' statement, in a paper in the
5th vol. Med. Mus.
t Barton's Collections, Part II. p. 15
294 Materia Medica.
CHIRONIA ANGULARIS. Lin.
This is a beautiful annual plant which grows abundantly in
many parts of the United States. Every part of the plant is in-
tensely bitter, in which respect it differs from the gentiana cen-
taureum, the blossoms of which are nearly insipid. In other re-
spects it is closely allied to the lesser centaury; and it is in no re-
spect as a bitter, inferior to it. It is much more common than the
other, and may without injury supersede it in practice. It is cal-
led by Dr. Schoepf wild-succory.*
CICUTA. VideConium.
CINCHONA.
Willd. g. 346. Pentandria Monogynia. — Nat. ord. Contortce.
D. Kinay Quinquina. POL. Kwinkwinna.
DA. Kina, China, Chinabark. R. China, Chinchina.
F. Quinquina. S. Quina Quina-Quina, Corteza
G. Chinarinde. de Loja.
I. Chinay Chinacchina. SW. Feberbark, China.
P. Quina, Quinquina.
CINCHONA OFFICINALIS. Sp. 1. Cortex. Ed.
Cinchona. Cortex. L. Cortex Peruvianus. D.
Officinal Cinchona. Peruvian Bark.
Of this bark, the Edinburgh college enumerates three varie-
ties,
a The common,
b The yellow,
c The red.
It is, however, by no means ascertained, that the two last are the
bark of the cinchona officinalis, but have been merely classed
under it until we are better acquainted with their botanical his-
tory.
The cinchona officinalis grows in the neighbourhood of Loxa,
a city in the province of Quito, in the kingdom of Peru. It is a
mountainous tree, and is never found in the plains. It grows to a
great height, and formerly its trunk was often thicker than a
man's body. But since its bark has come into such general use,
* Barton's Collections.
C— Cinchona. 295
few trees are to be seen thicker than a man's arm. Indeed, there
is reason to fear, that it will become still more scarce, as no at-
tention is paid to its cultivation, and the trees always die after
being stripped of their bark. This operation is performed in the
dry season, from September to November. The bark is then
carefully dried in the sun, and packed in skins, which contain
from 100 to 150 pounds, and are called by the Spaniards zeronne.
In these, coarse and fine pieces of the same kind of bark are
promiscuously mixed, but they are afterwards sorted.
Common Pale Bark.
In commerce we find several varieties of the common pale bark;
the most remarkable of which come from Loxa,the quilled bark,
and from Guanaco, the flat bark.
The bark which comes from Loxa consists of thin, singly or
doubly rolled pieces, a finger's length or more, and scarcely a line
in thickness; externally rough, of a greyish brown colour, and
generally covered with a kind of lichen; internally of a cinnamon
colour. Its fracture should not be fibrous or powdery, but even
and shining. It has a peculiar aromatic smell, and a pleasant,
bitter, astringent taste.
The bark which comes from Guanaco consists of much thick-
er, coarser, and flatter, pieces; externally of a dark brown or al-
most black colour, but internally it has the same cinnamon colour,
and in its resinous fracture, smell, and taste, it exactly resembles
the former. When genuine, both varieties are excellent reme-
dies, although the former is generally preferred on the conti-
nent, and the latter in Britain.
The great price of Peruvian bark has sometimes tempted dis-
honest men to adulterate it with other similar and less powerful
barks, and, what is still more blamable, with genuine bark, from
which the active constituents have been entirely extracted by de-
coction with water.
In selecting Peruvian bark, we must therefore see, that, be-
sides the characteristics already noticed, it is dense, heavy, and
dry, not musty or spoiled by moisture, and that a decoction
made of it has a reddish colour when warm, but when cold be-
comes paler, and deposits a brownish red sediment. Those pieces
whose taste is simply intensely bitter or very astringent, or nau-
seous, or merely mucilaginous, whose surface is smooth or po-
lished, of a dark colour, or pale yellow, or red, which are tough
or spongy, whose fracture is fibrous, woody, or powdery, and
their internal colour white or grey, are to be rejected.
There are few vegetable substances which have been so much
subjected to analysis as the Peruvian bark, and yet our knowledge
of it is extremely imperfect. Neumann got from 7680 parts 640
alcoholic, and afterwards 300 watery extract, and inversely 336
296 Materia Medica
watery, and 600 alcoholic. Lewis observed that the decoction oe-
came turbid on cooling,but ascribedthis to the separation of resin,
which he supposed had been melted out by the heat. He also as-
certained that the bitterness remained dissolved while the astrin-
gency resided chiefly in this precipitate, and that the precipitate
was soluble in alcohol. In his experiments, chalybeate solutions
struck a deep green with the decoction of bark. Dr. Irving how-
ever, remarked that recent preparations of bark struck a black
colour, while those which had been kept some, time became
green. Seguin's discovery at last enabled chemists to ascertain
the astringency of different substances with more precision; and
Dr. Maton and Mr. Davy found that Peruvian bark contained
very little tannin. Seguin next discovered that solutions of bark
were precipitated by tannin, and therefore concluded that it con-
tained gelatine. This opinion, however, Dr. Duncan proved to be
erroneous, by finding that the principle which formed the pre-
cipitate with tannin, was soluble in alcohol; and as in its proper-
ties it did not coincide with any other which had hitherto been
described, Dr. Duncan gave it the name of Cinchonin.* Tinc-
ture of cinchona is precipitated by water, the precipitate is easily
separated by filtration, the filtered solution is copiously precipi-
tated by infusion of gall nuts, and slightly by solution of gelatine.
With a very small proportion of red sulphate of iron, it acquires-
a purplish colour; with a somewhat larger proportion, a black,
which, on the slightest further addition of the chalybeate, becomes
a full green. The different colours produced by different propor-
tions of the chalybeate account for the different results obtained
by Dr. Lewis and Dr. Irving, and prove, from the green colour
which the latter observed in experiments with old preparations,
while the recent ones struck a black, that the principle on which
the change of colour depends is exceedingly destructible. In the
filtered decoction, infusion of galls produced a pulverulent, and
solution of gelatine a copious filamentous precipitate.
The principles therefore proved to exist in Peruvian bark, seem
to be cinchonin, tannin, an acid, (the gallic?) and a matter preci-
pitable from the tincture by water, (a resin?) Its aroma has also
been proved to depend on a very minute proportion of volatile
oil.
Medical use* — On dead animal matter it acts as an antiseptic,
and on the living body it acts moreover as a stimulant, tonic, and
antispasmodic. The discovery of its medical virtues was, in all
probability, the result of accident; and in fact, according to some,
the Peruvians learned the use of the bark by observing certain
* Cinchonin, not acrid, soluble in alcohol and in water, precipitated by infu-
sion of galls. Dr. Thompson discovered a principle, possessing- similar chemi-
cal properties in black pepper. Dr. Duncan has sincti found it in capsicum,
and it probably exists in other peppers.
C.— Cinchona. 297
animals affected with intermittents instinctively led to it; while
others say, that a Peruvian having an ague, was cured by hap-
pening to drink of a pool, which, from some trees having fallen
into it tasted of cinchona; and its use in gangrene is said to have
originated from its curing one in an aguish patient. About the
year 1640, the lady of the Spanish viceroy, the Comitissa del
Cinchon, was cured by the bark, which was therefore called Cor-
tex or Pulvis Comitissae Cinchona, &c; and from the interest
which Cardinal de Lugo and the Jesuit fathers took in its dis-
tribution, Cortex or Pulvis Cardinalis de Lugo, Jesuiticus, Pat-
rum, &c; from the place of its growth Peruvian bark, or simply,
from its pre-eminence, Bark.
On its first introduction into Europe, it was reprobated by
many eminent physicians; and at different periods long after, it
was considered a dangerous remedy; but its character, in pro-
cess of time, became very universally established.
It was first introduced for the cure of intermittent fevers; and
in these, when properly exhibited, it rarely fails of success. Prac-
titioners, however, have differed with regard to the best mode of
exhibition; some prefer giving it just before the fit, some during
the fit, others immediately after it. Some, again, order it between
the fits; the dose being the more frequent and larger according to
their frequency; and this mode of exhibition, although it may
perhaps sometimes lead to the employment of more bark than is
necessary, upon the whole appears preferable, from being best
suited to most stomachs. The requisite quantity is very different
in different cases; and in many vernal intermittents it seems even
hardly necessary.
It is now given, from the very commencement of the disease,
without previous evacuations, which, with the delay of the bark,
or under doses of it, by retarding the cure, often seem to induce
abdominal inflammations, scirrhus, jaundice, hectic, dropsy, &c.
symptoms formerly imputed to the premature or intemperate use
of the bark, but which are best obviated by its early and liberal
use. It is to be continued not only till the paroxysms cease, but
till the natural appetite, strength, and complexion return. Its use
is then to be gradually left off, and repeated at proper intervals to
secure against a relapse; to which, however unaccountable, there
often seems to be a peculiar disposition; and especially when the
wind blows from the east. Although, however, evacuation ra-
ther counteracts the effects of the Peruvian bark in intermit-
tents, yet it is of advantage, previous to its use, to empty the
alimentary canal, particularly the stomach; and on this account
good effects are often obtained from premising an emetic.
It is a medicine which seems not only suited to both formed
and latent intermittents, but to that state of fibre on which all ri-
2P
298 Materia Medica.
gidly periodical diseases seem to depend; as periodical pain, in-
flammation, hemorrhagy, spasm, cough, loss of external sense,
he.
Bark is now used by some in all continued fevers; at the same
time attention is paid to keep the bowels clean, and to promote,
when necessary, the evacuation of redundant bile, always, how-
ever, so as to weaken the patient as little as possible.
In confluent small-pox, it promotes languid eruption and sup-
puration, diminishes the fever through the whole course of it,
and prevents or corrects putrescence and gangrene.
In gangrenous sore throats it is much used, as it is externally
and internally in every species of gangrene.
In contagious dysentery, after due evacuation, it has been
used, taken internally and by injection, with and without opium.
In all those hemorrhagies called passive, and which it is al-
lowed all hemorrhagies are very apt to become, and likewise in
other increased discharges, it is much used; and in certain unde-
fined cases of haemoptysis, some allege that it is remarkably effec-
tual when joined with an absorbent.
It is used for obviating the disposition to nervous and convul-
sive diseases; and some have great confidence in it, joined with
sulphuric acid, in cases of phthisis, scrofula, ill conditioned ul-
cers, rickets, scurvy, and in states of convalescence. In these
cases, it is proper to conjoin it with a milk diet.
In dropsy, not depending on any particular local affection, it is
often alternated or conjoined with diuretics or other evacuants,
and by its early exhibition after the water is once drawn off, or
even begins to be freely discharged, afresh accumulation is pre-
vented, and a radical cure obtained.
Mr. Pearson of the Lock Hospital praises very highly the
powers of this remedy in different forms of the venereal disease;
in reducing incipient bubo, in cleansing and healing ulcers of the
tonsils, and in curing gangrenous ulcers from a venereal cause.
But in all these cases mercury must also be given to eradicate the
venereal virus from the system.
Peruvian bark may be exhibited,
1. In substance.
The best form of exhibiting this valuable remedy is in the state
of a very fine powder, in doses of from ten grains to two drachms
and upwards. As it cannot be swallowed in the form of a dry
powder, it must either be diffused in some liquids, as water, wine,
or milk, or mixed with some viscid substance, as currant jelly. Its
taste, which is disagreeable to many people, is best avoided by
taking it immediately after it is mixed up; for by standing any
C— Cinchona. 299
time, it is communicated to the vehicle. In this respect, there-
fore, it is better for the patients to mix it up themselves, than to
receive it from the apothecary already made up into a draught
with some simple distilled water, or into an electuary with a sy-
rup. A much more important objection to this form of giving Pe-
ruvian bark, is, that some stomachs will not bear it, from the op-
pression, and even vomiting, which in these cases it excites. We
must endeavour to obviate this inconvenience by the addition of
some aromatic, and by giving it in small doses more frequently
repeated. If we are unable to succeed by these means, we must
extract the most active constituents of the bark by means of some
menstruum. It has therefore long been a pharmaceutical problem
to discover which menstruum extracts the virtues of Peruvian
bark most completely. But the active constituents of this remedy,
according to the best and latest analysis, are cinchonin, tannin,
and gallic acid, combined with some mucilage and resin. Of these
the two last are not soluble in any one menstruum; but they most
probably contribute very little to the powers of the medicine.
The three other constituents, on the contrary, on which all its ac-
tivity depends, taken singly, are all of them very soluble, both in
water and in alcohol, and in every mixture of these. But it would
be contrary to analogy to suppose, that these substances should
exist so intimately mixed as they must be in an organic product,
without exerting upon each other some degree of chemical af-
finity, and forming combinations possessed of new properties.
Accordingly we find, whether it arise from this cause, or merely
from the state of aggregation, that neither water nor alcohol ex-
tracts these constituents from Peruvian bark in the same quantity
in which they are able to dissolve them separately, and that we
must have recourse to direct experiment to determine the degree
of action possessed by each menstruum upon it. With this view
many experiments have been made, and by very able chemists.
But most of them were performed when the science of chemistry
was but in its infancy ; and even at this time that branch of it which
relates to these substances is so little understood, that the results
of the latest experiments are far from conclusive.
2. In infusion.
To those whose stomachs will not bear the powder, this is the
best form of exhibiting Peruvian bark. Water, at a given tem-
perature, seems capable of dissolving only a certain quantity, and
therefore we are not able to increase the strength of an infusion,
either by employing a larger quantity of the bark, or allowing
them to remain longer in contact. One part of bark is sufficient
to saturate sixteen of water in the course of an hour or two. To
accelerate the action of the water, it is usual to pour it boiling
500 Materia Medica.
hot upon the bark, to cover it up, and allow it to cool slowly.
After standing a sufficient length of time, the infusion is decanted
off for use. The infusion in water is however liable to one very-
great objection, that it cannot be kept even a very short time
without being decomposed and spoiled. Therefore, in some in-
stances, we prepare the infusion with wine; and it fortunately
happens that very often the use of the menstruum is as much in-
dicated as that of the solvend.
3. In tincture.
The great activity of the menstruum in this preparation, pre-
vents the bark from being given in sufficiently large doses to ex-
ert its peculiar virtues. It is, however, a powerful stimulant.
4. In decoction.
Water of the temperature of 212° is capable of dissolving a
much larger proportion of the soluble parts of Peruvian bark than
water at 60°. But the solvent powers even of boiling water have
their limits, and by protracting the decoction we do not increase
its strength, but rather, by diminishing the quantity of the men-
struum, we lessen the quantity of matter dissolved. Besides, at
a boiling temperature, some of the active constituents absorb
oxygen rapidly from the atmosphere, and are converted into what
seems to be an insoluble and inert resinous substance.
5. In extract.
In this preparation we expect to possess the virtues of Peruvian
bark in a very concentrated state. The principal objections to its
use are its great expense, and the decomposition and destruction
of the active constituents of the bark during the preparation,
when not properly conducted. It is convenient for the formation
of pills and boluses, but we would always prefer a fresh infusion
or decoction to any mixture in which the extract is redissolved.
Externally, Peruvian bark is used in substance, as an applica-
tion to ill-conditioned, carious, or gangrenous ulcers.
In the form of clyster, it may be given in substance, decoction,
or extract. The powder is used as a tooth-powder for spongy, and
bleeding gums, and the decoction is an excellent astringent gargle
or wash.
To increase the power of Peruvian bark, or to direct its effica-
cy to a particular purpose, or to correctsome inconveniences occa-
sionally produced by it, it is frequently combined with other re-
mecies. Whenit produces vomiting, carbonic acid forms an useful
addition; when it purges, opium; when it oppresses the stomach,
C. — Cinchona. 301
aromatics; and when it induces costiveness, rhubarb. But we
are afraid that many additions are made, chiefly saline substances,
of which the effects are not at all understood. Sulphuric acid, su-
per-sulphate of alumina and potass (alum), muriate of ammonia,
carbonate of potass, tartrate of potass, tartrate of antimony and
potass (tartar emetic), iron, lime-water, astringents, &c. have been
frequently prescribed with it; but we know that in many of these
mixtures decomposition occurs, which renders the whole either
inactive, or completely deceives us with regard to the expected
effects.
Yellow Peruvian Bark.
This kind of bark has only been introduced since 1 790, and we
are still uncertain, both with regard to the tree which produces
it, and the place of its growth. It consists of pieces about six
inches in length, thicker, and less rolled up than the common
bark. Its internal surface is of a deeper red. It sometimes wants
the epidermis, which is often as thick as the bark itself. It is
lighter and more friable than the former variety; its fracture is
fibrous; and when reduced to powder, its colour is paler. Its
taste is much more bitter, astringent, and stronger, but its smell is
weaker. Its decoction when hot is redder, but when cold, paler.,
Its solutions strike a deeper colour with sulphate of iron. It con-
tains more of the active constituents than either of the others, but
less gum than the common, and less resin than the red. It also
produces the same effects in much smaller doses. The epidermis
should always be removed before it is powdered.
Red Peruvian Bark.
This occurs generally in much larger, thicker, flatter pieces',
but sometimes also in the form of quills. It is heavy, firm,
sound, and dry; friable between the teeth; does not separate
into fibres; and breaks, not shivery, but short, close, and smooth.
It has three layers: the outer is thin, rugged, of a reddish
brown colour, but frequently covered with mossy matter; the
middle is thicker, more compact, darker coloured, very resinous,
brittle, and yields first to the pestle: the inmost is more woody,
fibrous, and of a brighter red. Its powder is reddish, like that of
Armenian bole.
Its astringency and bitterness are more intense, and it contains
more resin than the pale bark. It also produces its effects in
smaller doses. It is said to be more frequently adulterated.
3*02 Materia Medica.
Officinal PnEPARAfioNs
Infusum cinchonse officinalis, E. D. vide Infusa.
Decoctum cinchonae officinalis, E. L. D. Decoctct.
Tinctura cinchonae officinalis, E. L. D. Tinctures,
composita, L. D. Idem.
ammoniata, L. Tincturce ammo?iiatce.
Extractum cinchonae officinalis, E. L. D. Extracta.
cum resina, E. L. D. Idem.
Vinum gentian® composition, E. Vina medicata.
CINCHONA CARIBiEA. Sp. 4. Cortex. Ed.
Cinchona of the Caribcean islands. The bark.
This tree is found in the Caribaean islands. It grows to a very
large size. Dr. Wright, to whom we are indebted for all our
knowledge of it, found some in the parish of St. James's, Jamaica,
fifty feet high, and proportionally thick. The wood is hard,
clouded, and takes a fine polish. The bark of the large trees is
rough, the cuticle thick and inert, and the inner bark thinner than
that of the young trees, but more fibrous. The bark is brought
to us in pieces about a span in length, rolled together, and a line
or half a line in thickness, of a brown colour on the surface, which
is most commonly covered with white lichens: internally it is of
a dark brown colour, and very fibrous in its fracture. It has at first
a sweetish taste, but after being chewed some time it becomes ex-
tremely nauseous and bitter. Dr. Wright says he made use of
this bark in all cases where Peruvian bark was indicated, and
with the greatest success. It has often been confounded with
the cinchona floribunda ( Willdenow's 7th species), so excellently
analyzed by Fourcroy under the title of the Cinchona of St. Do-
mingo, and which taken internally, is apt to excite vomiting and
purging.
CINNAMOMUM. Vide Laurus,
C— Cistus Creticus, 303
CISSAMPELOS PAREIRA.
Pareira Brava. Radix, L. D,
Pareira brava. The root.
Dioecia Monadelphia. — Nat. ord. Sarmentacece.
This is a perennial climbing plant, which grows in the West-
India islands, and in South America. The root, which is officinal,
is brought to us from Brazil, in pieces of different sizes, some no
bigger than one's finger, others as large as a child's arm; it is
crooked, and variously wrinkled on the surface; outwardly of a
dark colour, internally of a dull yellowish, and interwoven with
woody fibres; so that, upon a transverse section, a number of con-
centric circles appear, crossed with fibres, which run from the
centre to the circumference: It has no smell; the taste is a little
bitterish, blended with a sweetness like that of liquorice. Neu-
mann got from 480 parts 123 alcoholic, and 60 watery extract,
and inversely 140 watery, and 66 alcoholic. Nothing rose in dis-
tillation.
Medical use. — This root is highly extolled by the Americans
and Portuguese, in a great variety of diseases, particularly against
suppressions of urine, nephritic pains, and calculus. Geoffroy also
found it useful in nephritic disorders, in ulcers of the kidneys
^nd bladder, in humoral asthmas, and in some species of jaundice.
The common people of Jamaica use a decoction of the roots for
pains and weakness of the stomach, proceeding from relaxation.
The dose of the root in substance is from twelve grains to half a
drachm; in decoction to two or three drachms.
CISTUS CRETICUS.
Ladanum. Resina. L.
Cretan Cistus. Ladanum. A resin.
Willd. g. 1048. sp. 13. — Nat. ord. Ascyroidex.
This is a perennial shrub which grows in Syria, and more es-
pecially in the Grecian islands.
This resin is said to have been formerly collected from the
beards of goats who browsed the leaves of the cistus: at present,
a kind of rake, with several straps or thongs of skins fixed to it,
is drawn lightly over the shrub, so as to take up the unctuous
juice, which is afterwards scraped off with knives. It is rarely
met with pure, even in the places where it is produced; the dust
blown upon the plant by the wind, mingling with the viscid juice,
304 Materia Medica.
and the inhabitants also being said to mix it with a certain black
sand. In the shops two sorts are met with: the best (which is very-
rare) is in dark-coloured almost black masses, of the consistence
of a soft plaster, which grows still softer upon being handled; of
a very agreeable smell, and of a light, pungent, bitterish taste: the
other sort is harder, not so dark-coloured, in long rolls coiled up:
this is of a much weaker smell than the first, and has a large ad-
mixture of a fine sand, which in the ladanum examined by the
French academy, made up three-fourths of the mass; and that
found in the shops seems even more sandy. What Neumann ex-
amined, however, gave him 5400 alcoholic, and 480 watery, and
inversely 960 watery, and 4960 alcoholic extract, from 7680
parts. In distillation water carries over a volatile oil, and alcohol
distilled from it becomes milky on the addition of water.
Officinal Preparations.
Emplastrum ladani compositum, L. - - vide Unguenta.
picis burgundies, L. - - Idem*
CITRUS.
Polydelphia Icosandria. — Nat. ord. Po?nacece,
CITRUS AURANTIUM. Ed.
Folia, flores, aqua stillatitia et oleum volatile flo rum, fructus sue*
cus, fructus immaturus, et cortex exterior.
AURANTIUM HlSPALENSE. L. D.
Folium, flos, fructus succus, et cortex exterior. L.
Fructus succus et cortex exterior, fructus immaturus, Jlorum
aqua stillatitia. D.
Seville orange. The leaves, flowers, distilled water, and essential
oil of the flowers, the juice and outer rind of the fruit, and the
unripe fruit.
D. Oranjen. P. Laranjas.
DA. Pomerantsev. POL. Pomeranczy.
F.
Oranges.
R.
Pomerancza.
G.
Pomeranzen.
S.
Naranjas.
I.
Melarance.
sW.
Pomeranser.
The orange tree is a beautiful evergreen, a native of Asia, but
now abundantly cultivated in the southern parts of Europe and in
C. — Citrus. — C. Aurantium. 305
the West- India islands. There are several varieties of this spe-
cies, but they may all be referred to the bitter or Seville orange,
and the sweet or China orange.
The leaves are neither so aromatic nor so bitter as the rind of
the fruit.
The flowers (flores naphae) are highly odoriferous, and have
been for some time past in great esteem as a perfume; their taste
is somewhat warm, accompanied with a degree of bitterness.
They yield their flavour by infusion to rectified spirit, and in dis-
tillation both to spirit and water, (aquaflorum naphae): the bitter
matter is dissolved by water, and, on evaporating the decoction,
remains entire in the extract.
A very fragrant red-coloured oil, distilled from these flowers,
is brought from Italy under the name of oleum or essentia neroli;
but oil of behen, in which orange flowers have been digested, is
frequently substituted for it. The fraud, however, is easily de-
tected, as the real oil is entirely volatile, and the adulterated is
not.
The juice of oranges is a grateful acid liquor, consisting prin-
cipally of citric acid, syrup, extractive, and mucilage.
The outer yellow rind of the fruit is a grateful aromatic bitter.
The unripe fruit dried are called Curacoa oranges. They vary
in size from that of a pea to that of a cherry. They are bitterer
than the rind of ripe oranges, but not so aromatic, and are used
as a stomachic.
Medical use. — The leaves have been celebrated by eminent
physicians as a powerful antispasmodic in convulsive disorders,
and especially in epilepsy; with others they have entirely failed.
Orange flowers were at one time said to be a useful remedy in
convulsive and epileptic cases; but experience has not confirmed
the virtues attributed to them. As by drying they lose their vir-
tues, they may be preserved for this purpose by packing them
closely in earthen vessels, with half their weight of muriate of
soda. The juice is of considerable use in febrile or inflammatory
distempers, for allaying heat, quenching thirst, and promoting the
salutary excretions: it is likewise of use in genuine scorbutus, or
sea-scurvy. Although the Seville, or bitter orange, as it is called,
has alone a place in our pharmacopoeias, yet the juice of the China,
or sweet orange, is much more employed. It is more mild, and
less acid; and it is used in its most simple state with great advan-
tage, both as a cooling medicine, and as an useful antiseptic in
fevers of the worst kinds, as well as in many other acute diseases,
being highly beneficial as alleviating thirst. Dr. Wright applied
the roasted pulp of oranges as a poultice to fetid sores in the
West-Indies, with very great success.
The rind proves an excellent stomachic and carminative, pro-
moting appetite, warming the habit, and strengthening the tone of
2Q
306 Materia Medica.
the viscera. Orange-peel appears to be considerably warmer than
that of lemons, and to abound more with 'essential oil; to this cir*
cumstance, therefore, due regard ought to be had in the use of
these medicines. The flavour of the first is likewise supposed to
be less perishable than that of the other.
Officinal Preparations,
Of the rind,
Syrupus cort. aurantii, L. D. - - vide Syriipi.
Aqua cort. aur. destillata, E. - - Aquce destillatct*
Spiritus raphani compositus, L. D. - - Sp. destillati.
Tinctura corticis aurantii, L. D. - - Tinctura.
cinchona? composita, L. D. - Idem.
gentianae composita, E. - - Idem.
Conserva cort. aurantii, E. L. D. - - Conserves.
Of the fruit.
Succus cochliariae offic. compositus, E. L. Sued expressi.
CITRUS MEDICA. Ed.
Fructus, cortex fructus, et ejus oleum volatile.
Limon. L. D.
Succus, cortex exterior, et oleum essentia dictum. L.
Succus, cortex exterior, ejusdemque oleum essentiale. D.
Lemon tree. The juice and outer rind, and its essential oil of the
fruit.
D. Lemoenen, Citroenen. POL. Limonii.
DA. Limoner, Citroner. R. Limonii.
F. Citrons, Unions. S. Limones, Limoes.
G. Limonen, Citronen. SW. Limoner, Citroner.
I. Limoni.
The juice of lemons is similar in quality to that of oranges,
from which it differs little otherwise than in containing more citric
acid and less syrup. The quantity of the former is indeed so great,
that the acid has been named from this fruit, Acid of Lemons,
and is commonly prepared from it. The simple expressed juice
will not keep on account of the syrup, extractive, and mucilage,
and quantity of water which it contains, which causes it to fer-
ment.
It was therefore extremely desirable that an easy method should
C— Citrus.— C. Medica. 307
be discovered of reducing it to such a state that it would not spoil
by keeping, and would be less bulky.
Various means have been proposed and practised with this
view. The juice has been evaporated to the consistence of rob;
but this always gives an empyreumatic taste, and does not sepa-
rate the extractive or mucilage, so that it is still apt to ferment
when agitated on shipboard in tropical climates. It has been ex-
posed to frost, and part of the water been removed under the form
of ice; but this is liable to all the former objections, and besides,
where the lemons are produced in sufficient quantity, there is not
a sufficient degree of cold. The addition of a quantity of alcohol
to the inspissated juice separates the mucilage, but not the ex-
tractive or sugar. By means, however, of Scheele's process, as
reduced to determinate quantities by Proust, we can obtain the
acid perfectly pure and crystallized.
To 94 parts of lemon juice, 4 parts of carbonate of lime are to
be added: the carbonic acid is separated by effervescence, and a
quantity of insoluble citrate of lime is precipitated. By evaporat-
ing the supernatant liquor, another portion of citrate of lime is ob-
tained. These added together amount to about 7\ parts, and re-
quire 20 parts of sulphuric acid, of the specific gravity of 1.15,
to decompose them. The sulphate of lime, being nearly insoluble,
is precipitated, while the citric acid remains in solution, and is to
be separated by washing, and crystallized by evaporation. If too
much sulphuric acid be added, when the liquor is much concen-
trated, it reacts upon the citric acid, and chars a portion of it.
When this is the case, a little chalk must be added.
By this, or some similar process, it is now manufactured in
this country, in large quantities, and sold under the name of Cox-
well's concrete Salt of Lemons.
The yellow peel is an elegant aromatic, and is frequently em-
ployed in stomachic tinctures and infusions: it is considerably less
hot than orange-peel, and yields in distillation with water a less
quantity of essential oil: its flavour is nevertheless more perish-
able, yet does not arise so readily with spirit of wine; for a spirit-
ous extract made from lemon-peel possesses the aromatic taste
and smell of the subject in much greater perfection than an ex-
tract prepared in the same manner from the peels of oranges.
Lemon juice is also an ingredient in many pleasant refrigerant
drinks, which are of very great use in allaying febrile heat and
thirst. Of these, the most generally useful is lemonade, or diluted
lemon-juice, properly sweetened. Lemonade, with the addition of
a certain quantity of any good ardent spirit, forms the well-known
beverage punch, which is sometimes given as a cordial to the sick.
The German writers order it to be made with arrack, as rum and
brandy, they say, are apt to occasion headach. But the fact is di-
rectly the reverse, for, of all spirits, arrack is most apt to produce
308 Materia Medica.
headach. The lightest and safest spirits are those which contain
least essential oil, or other foreign matters, and which have been
kept the longest time after their distillation.
Officinal Preparations.
Of the Rind.
Aqua citri medicae destillata, E. - vide Aquce destil lata.
Spiritus ammonise compositus, E. L. D. Tinctures ammoniatce.
Of the Juice.
Syrupus citri medicae, E. L. D. - Syrupi.
Succus spissatus limonis, L. - Sued spissati.
Of the Oil
Unguentum sulphuris, E. - Unguenta.
hellebori albi, L. D. - Idem.
As the citric acid has been noticed as abounding in the two
last articles enumerated; it may be proper to state something of
its properties.
Citric acid crystallizes in rhomboidal prisms, which suffer no
change from exposure to the air, and have an exceedingly acid
taste. When sufficiently heated, they melt, swell, and emit fumes,
and are partly sublimed unchanged, and partly decomposed. Wa-
ter, at ordinary temperatures, dissolves \ of its weight of these
crystals, and at 212° twice its weight. The solution undergoes
spontaneous decomposition very slowly. Sulphuric acid chars it,
and forms vinegar. Nitric acid converts it into oxalic and acetous
acids.
Citrates are decomposed by the stronger mineral acids, and
also by the oxalic and tartarous, which form an insoluble preci-
pitate in their solutions. The alkaline citrates are decomposed by
a solution of barytes.
ACIDUM CITRICUM CRYSTALLIS CONCRETUM.
Dub.
Citric acid crystallized.
The simple expressed juice of lemons is extremely apt to
spoil, on account of the sugar, extractive, mucilage, and water,
which cause it to ferment.
Citric acid is a powerful and agreeable antiseptic. Its powers
are much increased, according to Dr. Wright, by saturating it
with muriate of soda. The mixture he recommends as possessing
very great efficacy in dysentery, remittent fever, the belly-ach,
C. — Clematis. — Cleome Dodecandra. 309
putrid sore throat, and as being perfectly specific in diabetes and
lienteria. Citric acid is often used with great success for allaying
vomiting: with this intention it is mixed with carbonate of potass,
from which it expels the carbonic acid with effervescence. This
mixture should be drunk as soon as it is made: or the carbonic
acid gas, on which actually the anti-emetic powers of this mix-
ture depends, may be extricated in the stomach itself, by first
swallowing the carbonate of potass dissolved in water, and drink-
ing immediately afterwards the citric acid properly sweetened.
The doses are about a scruple of the carbonate dissolved in eight
or ten drachms of water, and an ounce of lemon juice, or an
equivalent quantity of citric acid.
CLEMATIS CRISPA CLEMATIS VIORNA.
The leaves of these species of Clematis are extremely acrid,
and may be found useful in chronic rheumatism, palsy, old ul-
cers, and in fine, in all the diseases in which Stork found the
Clematis recta useful. It is necessary to use them in small
doses. #
CLEOME DODECANDRA.
This plant is a native of Pennsylvania, New- York, &c. and
grows abundantly in the neighbourhood of Albany. The whole
plant has an extremely fetid smell. In some parts of the United
States, the root is employed as an Anthelmintic^
v Barton's Collections, Part II. p. 30
f Barton's Collections, Parti, p. 64.
310 Materia Medica.
COCCUS CACTI. Ed.
COCCINELLA. L.
Cochineal.
D. Conchenilje. P. Cochenilha.
DA. Cochenille. POL. Cochinelha.
F. Cochenille. R. Komsenel.
G. Koschenil. S. Cochinilla^ Grana.
I. Cocciniglia. SW. Cochenille.
Cochineal is the dried body of the female of an hemipterous
insect. It is found only in Mexico, and is nourished entirely on
the leaves of the opuntia or nopal, (cactus coccinelliferus). The
wild cochineal, which is covered with a silky envelope, is less
valuable than the cultivated cochineal, which is without that co-
vering, but grows to a larger size, and furnishes a finer and more
permanent colour. The Spaniards endeavour to confine both the
insect and the plant on which it feeds to Mexico. But this at-
tempt at monopoly will, we hope, be frustrated by the exertions
of some gentlemen in the East Indies. The male only is furnish-
ed with wings, the female has none, and remains constantly at-
tached to the leaf of the cactus. During winter, the Mexicans
preserve these insects, with the succulent leaves to which they are
attached, in their houses. In spring, after the rainy season is
over, they are transferred to the living plants, and in a few days
they lay innumerable eggs, and die. They are collected three
times in the year: first the dead mothers are gathered as soon as
they have laid their eggs; in three or four months, the young
which have grown to a sufficient size are collected; and in three
or four months more, all the young are collected, large and small
indiscriminately, except those which they preserve for breeding
next year. They are killed by enclosing them in a bag and dip-
ping them in hot water, and by exposing them on iron plates to
the heat of the fire. 800,000 pounds are brought annually to Eu-
rope; and each pound contains at least 70,000 insects. From their
appearance, when brought to us, they were long supposed to be
the seed of some plant. They are small, irregular, roundish bo-
dies, of a blackish-red colour on the outside, and a bright purpl^f
red within. Their taste is acrid, bitterish, and astringent.
They are used only for the sake of the fine colour which
they produce, and they are principally consumed by the scarlet
dyers. In pharmacy they are employed to give a beautiful
red to some tinctures. Their colour is easily extracted, both
by alcohol, water, and water of ammonia; and in the dried insect
it is not impaired by keeping for any length of time.
C— Cochlcaria. 311
Neumann got from 1920 grains 1440 watery extract, and in
another experiment from the same quantity 1430 alcoholic. The
former was extremely gelatinous.
Officinal Preparations.
Tinctura cardamomi composita, L. D. - vide Tinctures
aristolochiae serpentarise, E. - Idem.
gentians composita, E. - Idem.
cinchona? composita, L. - Idem.
hellebori, E. L. D. - Idem.
cantharidum, L. - Idem.
COCHLEARIA.
Willd. g. 1228. Tetradynamia Silkidosa. — Nat. or 6\. Siliquosce.
COCHLEARIA OFFICINALIS. Herba. Ed.
COCHLEARIA HoRTENSIS. L.
COCHLEARIA. D.
Garden scurvy-grass. The Plant.
This is an annual plant, which grows on the sea-shore of the
northern countries of Europe, and is sometimes cultivated in
gardens. As long as it is fresh it has a peculiar smell, especially
when bruised, and a kind of saline acrid taste, which it loses
completely by drying, but which it imparts by distillation to wa-
ter or alcohol. It also furnishes an essential oil, the smell of
which is so strong as to make the eyes water.
Medical use. — The fresh plant is a gentle stimutant and diuretic,
and is chiefly used for the cure of sea-scurvy. It is employed ex-
ternally as a gargle in sore throat, and scorbutic affections of the
gums and mouth. It may be eaten in substance in any quantity,
or the juice may be expressed from it, or it may be infused in
wine or water, or its virtues may be extracted by distillation.
Officinal Preparations.
Succus cochleariae compositus, L. E. vide Succi expressu
Spiritus raphani compositus, L. D. Spiritus destillati.
312 Materia Medica.
COCHLEARIA ARMORACIA. Radix. Ed,
Raphanus rusticanus. L. D.
Horse-radish. The root.
This perennial plant is sometimes found wild about river-
sides, and other moist places: for medicinal and culinary uses, it
is cultivated in gardens; flowers in June, but rarely perfects its
seeds in this country. Horse-radish root has a quick pungent
smell, and a penetrating acrid taste; it nevertheless contains in
certain vessels a sweet juice, which sometimes exudes upon the
surface. By drying, it loses all its acrimony, becoming first
sweetish, and afterwards almost insipid: if kept in a cool place,
covered with sand, it retains its qualities for a considerable time.
Medical use. — This root is an extremely penetrating stimulus.
It excites the solids, and promotes the fluid secretions; it seems
to extend its action through the whole habit, and affects the mi-
nutest glands. It has frequently done service in some kinds of
scurvies and other chronic disorders, proceeding from a viscidity
of the juices, or obstructions of the excretory ducts. Sydenham
recommends it likewise in dropsies, particularly those which
sometimes follow intermittent fevers. Both water and rectified
spirit extract the virtues of this root by infusion, and elevate them
in distillation: along with the aqueous fluid, an essential oil ari-
ses, possessing the whole taste and pungency of the horse-radish.
3840 parts, according to Neumann, were reduced by drying to
1000, and gave of watery extract 480, and 15 of alcoholic, and
inversely 420 alcoholic, and 480 watery; all these extracts were
sweetish, without pungency. About 1 5 of volatile oil, extremely
pungent, and heavier than water, arose in distillation with water.
Officinal Preparation.
Spiritus raphani compositus, L. D. vide Spiritus destillatis*
C. — Cocos Butyracea. — Colchicum. 313
COCOS BUTYRACEA. Oleum nucisjixum. Ed.
The mackaw tree* Thejixed oil of the nut, commonly called Palm.
Oil.
Palmce. — Nat. ord. Palmce.
D. Palm olie. I. Olio di fialma.
DA. Palmeolie. P. Oleo de jialma.
F. Huile de/ialme, Huile de Se- S. jiceite de fialma.
negal. SW. Palm olja.
G. Palmol.
This tree is a native of South America. The fruit is triangu-
lar, yellow, and as big as a plumb. The nut or kernel yields the
oleum palms of the shops. It is first slightly roasted and clean-
ed, and then ground to a paste, first in a mill, then on a leviga-
ting stone. This paste is gently heated, and mixed with j\ its
weight of boiling water put into a bag, and the oil expressed be-
tween two heated plates of iron. It yields ^ or T8g of oil. If co-
loured, this oil may be purified by nitration when melted. This
oil has the consistence of butter, a golden yellow colour, the
smell of violets, and a sweetish taste. When well preserved, it
keeps several years without becoming rancid. When spoiled, it
loses its yellow colour and pleasant smell. It is said to be often
imitated with axunge, coloured with turmeric, and scented with
Florentine iris root. It is rarely used in medicine, and only ex-
ternally as an emollient ointment.
COLCHICUM AUTUMNALE. Radix. Ed.
Colchicum. L. D.
Jfeadozv saffron. The root.
Willd. g. 707. ap. 1. Hexandria Trigynia. — Nat. ord. Liliacece.
Meadow Saffron is a perennial, bulbous-rooted plant,
which grows in wet meadows in the temperate countries of Eu-
rope. It flowers in the beginning of autumn, at which time the
old bulb begins to decay, and a new bulb to be formed. In the
following May the new bulb is perfected, and the old one wasted
and corrugated. They are dug for medical use in the beginning
of summer. The sensible qualities of the fresh root are very va-
rious, according to the place of growth, and season of the year.
In autumn it is inert; in the beginning of summer highly acrid:
some have found it to be a corrosive poison, others have eaten it
in considerable quantity without experiencing any effect. WTien
2 R
314 Materia Medica.
it is possessed of acrimony, this is of the same nature with that
of garlic, and is entirely destroyed by drying.
Medical use. — Stork, Collin, and Plenk have celebrated its vir-
tues as a diuretic in hydro thorax and other dropsies. But it is at
best a very uncertain remedy. The expressed juice is used in Al-
sace to destroy vermin in the hair.
Officinal Preparations.
Syrupus colchici autumnalis, E. - vide Syrupi.
Oxymel colchici, L. Mella medicata.
COLOMBA. Ed. h.
CoLUMBO. D.
Colomba. The root.
O. Columbo wort el.
I, Radice di Columbo.
DA. Columborod.
P. Raiz de Columba.
F. Racine de Colombo.
S. Raiz de Columbo.
G . Columbo wurzel.
SW. Columborot.
This is the root of an unknown plant, which, however, is con-
jectured by Willdenow to be a species of bryonia. It was suppo-
sed to have its name from a city in Ceylon, from which it is sent
over all India. But more recent accounts say, that it is produ-
ced in Africa, in the country of the Caffres, and that it forms an
important article of commerce with the Portuguese at Mozam-
bique, in the province of Tranquebar. It is generally brought in
transverse sections, from half an inch to three inches in diameter,
rarely divided horizontally. This is evidently done to facilitate
its drying, for the large pieces are all perforated with holes. The
bark is wrinkled and thick, of a dark brpwn colour on the outside,
and bright yellow within. The pith in the centre is spongy, yel-
lowish, and slightly striped. Its smell is slightly aromatic, and
readily lost when not preserved in close vessels; its taste is un-
pleasant, bitter, and somewhat acrid; the bark has the strongest
taste; the pith is almost mucilaginous. Its essential constituents
are cinchonin, and a great deal of mucilage. It is accordingly
more soluble in water than in alcohol. The tincture is not preci-
pitated by water, and does not affect the colour of infusion of
turnsole, or solution of red sulphate of iron.
Medical use, — In India it is much used in diseases attended
with bilious symptoms, particularly in cholera; and it is said to
be sometimes very effectual in other cases of vomiting. It often
produces excellent effects in dyspepsia. Half a drachm of the
powder is given repeatedly in tfre day. Its introduction into
C. — Confectiones. — Conium. 315
practice in England has been chiefly owing to the late Dr. Per-
cival of Manchester, and it has in general been found to answer
expectation: but it is to be regretted, that it is often exhibited in
a very decayed state, from the want of a regular supply.
Offictnal Preparation.
Tinctura colombae, E. L. D. - vide Tincture?*
CONFECTIONES. Vide Electuaria.
CONIUM MACULATUM. Folia, Semen. Ed,
C i cut a. Herba, Flos, Semen. L. D.
Hemlock. The leaf,jlozver, and seed.
Willd. g. 533. sp. 1. Pentandria Digynia. — Nat. ord. Umbellatce.
This is a large biennial umbelliferous plant, which grows very
commonly about the sides of fields, under hedges, and in moist
shady places. As it may easily be confounded with other plants
of the same natural order, which are either more virulent, orless
active, we shall give a full description of its botanical characters.
The root is white, long, of the thickness of a finger, contains when
it is young a milky juice, and resembles both in size and form the
carrot. In spring it is very poisonous, in harvest less so. The
stalk is often three, four, and even six feet high, hollow, smooth,
not beset with hairs, and marked with red or brown spots. The
leaves are large, and have long and thick foot-stalks, which, at the
lower end, assume the form of a groove, and surround the stem.
From each side of the foot-stalk other foot-stalks arise, and from
these a still smaller order, on which there are sessile, dark green,
shining, lancet-shaped, notched leafits. The umbels are terminal
and compound. The flowers consist of five white heart-shaped
leaves. The seeds are flat on the one side, and hemispherical on
the other, with five serrated ribs. This last circumstance, with the
spots on the stalks, and the peculiar very nauseous smell of the
plant, somewhat resembling the urine of a cat, serve to distin-
guish it from all other plants. We must not be misled by its offici-
nal name Cicuta, to confound it with the Cicuta virosa of Lin-
naeus, which is one of the most virulent plants produced in Great
Britain, and readily distinguishable from the conium, by having
its roots always immersed in water, which those of the conium
never are. The possibility of this mistake shows the propriety of
denominating all vegetables by their systematic names, as the
316 Materia Medica.
Edinburgh college now do. The other plants which have been mis-
taken for the conium maculatum are, the sethusa cynapium, cau-
calis anthriscus, and several species of chaerophyllum, especially
the bubosum.
Hemlock should not be gathered unless its peculiar smell be
strong. The leaves should be collected in the month of June,
when the plant is in flower. The leafits are to be picked off, and
the foot-stalks thrown away. The leafits are then to be dried
quickly in a hot sun, or rather on tin plates before a fire, and pre-
served in bags of strong brown paper, or powdered and kept in
close vessels, excluded from the light; for the light soon dissipates
their green colour, and with it the virtues of the medicine.
Medical use, — Fresh hemlock contains not only the narcotic,
but also the acrid principle; of the latter much, and of the former
little, is lost by drying. The whole plant is a virulent poison, but
varying very much in strength according to circumstances. When
taken in an over-dose, it produces vertigo, dimness of sight, diffi-
culty of speech, nausea, putrid eructations, anxiety, tremors, and
paralysis of the limbs. But Dr. Stork found, that in small doses
it may be taken with great safety; and that, without at all disor-
dering the constitution, or even producing any sensible operation,
it sometimes proves a powerful resolvent in many obstinate dis-
orders. In scirrhus, the internal and external use of hemlock has
been found useful, but then mercury has been generally used at
the same time. In open cancer, it often abates the pains, and is
free from the constipating effects of opium. It is likewise used in
scrofulous tumours and ulcers, and in other ulcers that are only
defined by the term ill-conditioned. It is also recommended by
some in chincough, and various other diseases. Its most common,
and best form, is that of the powdered leaves, in the dose at first
of two or three grains a-day, which in some cases has been gra-
dually increased to upwards of two ounces a-day, without pro-
ducing giddiness. An extract from the seeds is said to produce
giddiness sooner than that from the leaves.
Officinal Preparation.
Succus spissatus conii maculati, E. L. D. Vide Succi spissati,
C— Conserve. 317
CONSERVE— CONSERVES.
Conserves are compositions of recent vegetable matters and
sugar, beaten together into a uniform mass.
This management is introduced for preserving certain simples,
undried, in an agreeable form, with as little ^Iteration as possible
in their native virtues; and in some cases it is very advantageous.
Vegetables, whose virtues are lost or destroyed in drying, may in
this form be kept uninjured for a considerable time: for, by care-
fully securing the mouth of the containing vessel, the alteration,
as well as dissipation, of their active principles, is generally pre-
vented; and the sugar preserves them from the corruption which
juicy vegetables would otherwise undergo.
The sugar should be pounded by itself, and passed through a
sieve, before it be mixed with the vegetable mass, for without this
it cannot fee properly incorporated, Rose buds, and some other
vegetables, are prepared for mixing with sugar by a small wooden
mill contrived for that purpose.
There are, however, vegetables whose virtues are impaired by
this treatment. Mucilaginous substances, by long lying with su-
gar, become less glutinous; and astringents sensibly become softer
upon the palate. Many of the fragrant flowers are of so tender
and delicate a texture, as almost entirelv to lose their peculiar
qualities on being beaten or bruised.
In general, it is obvious, that in this form, on account of the
large admixture of sugar, only substances of considerable activity
can be taken with advantage as medicines. And, indeed, con-
serves are at present considered chiefly as auxiliaries to medicines
of greater efficacy, or as intermediums for joining them together.
They are very convenient for reducing into boluses or pills the
more ponderous powders, as sub-muriate of mercury, the oxides
of iron, and other mineral preparations; which, with liquid or less
consistent matters, as syrups, will not cohere.
The shops were formerly encumbered with manv conserves al-
together insignificant; the few now retained have in general either
an agreeable flavour to recommend them, or are capable of an-
swering some useful purposes as medicines. Their common dose
is the bulk of a nutmeg, or as much as can be taken up at once or
twice upon the point of a knife. There is, in general, no great
danger of exceeding in this particular.
318 Materia Medica.
CONSERVA
ClTRI AURANTII. Ed,
Aurantii Hispalensis. L. \- Conserve of Orange Peel.
Corticis Aurantii. D.
RoSiE Canine. Ed,
Cynosbati. L.
Ros^e RubrvE. Ed, L.
Ros^E. D.
Absinthii Maritimi. L. Sea wormwood.
}
1 - - Hips,
- Red rose buds.
}
AcixotiL. D. } * " Woodsorrel.
Pluck the leaves from the stalks, the unblown petals from the cups,
taking off the heels. Take off the outer rind of the oranges by
a grater.
When prepared in this way, beat them with a wooden pestle in a
marble mortar, first by themselves, afterwards with three times
their weight of double refined sugar, until they be mixed.
The only exceptions to these general directions, which are
those of the London college, are, that the London college adds
only twenty ounces of sugar to one pound of the pulp of hips, and
that the Dublin adds only twice their weight of sugar to the sorrel
leaves. La Grange says, that by infusing the red rose leaves in
four times their weight of water, which is afterwards to be ex-
pressed from them, they lose their bitterness, and are more easily
reduced to a pulp, which he then mixes with a thick syrup, pre-
pared by dissolving the sugar in the expressed liquor, and boiling
it down to the consistence of'an electuary.
It is scarcely necessary to make any particular remarks on
these conserves. Their taste and virtues are compounded of those
of sugar, and the substance combined with it. The wood sorrel
and hips are acidulous and refrigerant; the orange-rind and worm-
wood bitter and stomachic, and the red rose buds astringent.
CONSERVA ARI. L.
Conserve of Arum,
Take of
Fresh root of arum, bruised, half a pound;
Double refined sugar, a pound and a half.
Beat them together in a mortar.
This is one of the best forms for exhibiting this simple, as its
virtues are destroyed by drying, and are nc/t extracted by any
menstruum. It may be given to adults in doses of a drachm.
C. — Convolvulus Scammonia. 319
CONSERVA PRUNI SYLVESTRIS. L.
Conserve of Sloes.
Put the sloes in water upon the fire that they may soften, tak-
ing care that they be not broken; then take them out of the
water, press out the pulp, and mix it with three times its
weight of double refined sugar into a conserve.
This preparation is a gentle astringent, and may be given as
such in the dose of two or three drachms.
CONSERVA SCILLjE. L.
Conserve of Squills.
Take of
Fresh squills, one ounce;
Double refined sugar, five ounces.
Beat them together in a mortar into a conserve*
This conserve is directed to be prepared in a small quantity*
to guard against its varying in strength. It may be given to
adults in doses of from half a drachm to two scruples, especially
when fresh.
The conserve of squills is a more uncertain and less agreeable
mode of exhibiting this article than the powder of the dried root
made into pills, or a bolus, with any other conserve.
The London college conclude their chapter on conserves with.
desiring all the conserves, especially those of arum and squills,
to be kept in close vessels.
CONTRAYERVA. Vide Dorstenia.
CONVOLVULUS.
Wi\ld.g. 323.— Pentandria Monogynia. — Nat. ord. Campanacew.
CONVOLVULUS SCAMMONI A. Sp. 4. Gummi-resina. Ed,
Sc AMMONIUM. L. D.
Scammony. The gum-resin.
D. Skammontum. I. Scamonea.
DA. Skammoniwn, P. Escamonea,
F. Scammonee. S. Escamonea.
G. Skammonie. SW. Scammonivpi.
320 Materia Medicd.
The scammony convolvulus is a climbing perennial plant,
which grows in Syria, Mysia, and Cappadocia. The roots, which
are Very long and thick, when fresh contain a milky juice. To ob-
tain this, the earth is removed from the upper part of the roots,
and the tops of these are cut obliquely off. The milky juice which
flows out, is collected in a small vessel, sunk in the earth at the
lower end of the cut. Each root furnishes only a few drachms,
but it is collected from several vessels, and dried in the sun. This
is the true and unadulterated scammony. It is light, of a dark grey
colour, but becomes of a whitish yellow when touched with the
wet finger, is shining in its fracture, has a peculiar nauseous smell,
and bitter acrid taste, and forms with water a greenish milky
fluid, without any remarkable sediment. In this state of purity it
seldom reaches us, but is commonly mixed with the expressed
juice of the root, and even of the stalks and leaves, and often with
flour, sand or earth. The best to be met with in the shops comes
from Aleppo in light spongy masses, having a heavy disagreea-
ble smell, friable, and easily powdered, of a shining ash colour
verging to black; when powdered, of a light grey or whitish co-
lour. An inferior sort is brought from Smyrna in more compact
ponderous pieces, with less smell, not so friable, and less easily
powdered, of a darker colour, not so resinous, and full of sand
and other impurities.
Resin is the principal constituent of scammony. Sixteen
ounces of good Aleppo scammony give eleven ounces of resin,
and three and a half of watery extract.
Medical use, — Scammony is an efficacious and strong purgative.
Some have condemned it as unsafe, and laid various ill qualities
to its charge; the principal of which is, that its operation is uncer-
tain, a full dose proving sometimes ineifectual, whilst at others a
much smaller one occasions dangerous hypercatharsis. This dif-
ference, however, is owing entirely to the different circumstances
of the patient, and not to any ill quality, or irregularity of opera-
tion, of the medicine: where the intestines are lined with an ex-
cessive load of mucus, the scammony passes through, without
exerting itself upon them; where the natural mucus is deficient,
a small dose of this or any other resinous cathartic irritates and
inflames. Many have endeavoured to diminish the activity of
this drug, and to correct its imaginary virulence, by exposing it
to the fumes of sulphur, dissolving it in acids, and the like: but
these only destroy a part of the medicine, without making any
alteration in the rest. Scammony in substance, judiciously ma-
naged, stands not in need of any corrector: if triturated with su-
gar, or with almonds, it becomes sufficiently safe and mild in its
operation. It may likewise be conveniently dissolved, by tritura-
tion, in a strong decoction of liquorice, and then poured off from
the feces. The common dose of scammony is from three to twelve
grains.
C. — Convolvulus Jalapa. 321
Officinal Preparations.
Electuarium scammonii, L. D. - vide Ekctuaria,
Pulvis sennae compositus, L. Pulveres.
scammonii compositus, E. L. D. - Idem,
cum aloe, L. - Idem,
calomelane, L. - Idem*
Extractum colocynthidis compositum, L. - Extracta.
Pilulse aloes cum colocynthide, E. - Pilules,
CONVOLVULUS JALAPA. Sp, 61. Radix. Ed,
Jalapium. L. Jalapa. D.
Jalap, The root,
D. Jala/i/ie. P. Jalap pa.
D A. Jalafirod. POL. Jalafia .
F. Jalafi. R. Jalap.
G. Jalafiwurzel. S. Jalafia.
I. Sciarafifia. SYV. Jala/irotj Purggcrrot.
Jalap is another climbing perennial species of convolvulus* It
is an inhabitant of Mexico and Vera Cruz. It is brought to us in
this transverse slices, which are covered with a blackish wrinkled
bark, and are of a dark grey colour internally, marked with dark-
er or blackish stripes. It has a nauseous smell and taste j and
when swallowed it affects the throat with a sense of heat, and oc-
casions a plentiful discharge of saliva. When powdered it has a
yellowish grey colour.
Such pieces should be chosen as are most compact, hard,
weighty, dark-coloured, and abound most with black circular
striae and shining points: the light, whitish, friable, worm-eaten
pieces must be rejected.
Slices of bryony root are said to be sometimes mixed with those
of jalap: but they may be easily distinguished, by their whiter
colour, and less compact texture.
Neumann got from 7680 parts, 2480 alcoholic, and then by
water 1200, and inversely 2160 watery, besides 360, which pre-
cipitated, during the evaporation, and 1440 alcoholic: the tincture
extracted from 7680 parts, when precipitated by water, gave
1920.
Medicaluse — Jalap in substance, taken in a dose of about half a
drachm (less or more, according to the circumstances of the pa-
tient) in plethoric, or cold phlegmatic habits, proves an effectual,
and in general a safe purgative, performing its office mildlv, sel-
2S
&•
322 Materia Medica.
dom occasioning nausea or gripes, which too frequently accom-
pany the other strong cathartics. In hypochondriacal disorders,
and hot bilious temperaments, it gripes violently, if the jalap be
good; but rarely takes due effect as a purge. An extract originally
made by water purges almost universally, but weakly; and at the
same time has a considerable effect by urine: what remains after
this process gripes violently. The pure resin, prepared by spirit of
wine, occasions most violent gripings, and other distressing symp-
toms., but scarcely proves at all cathartic: triturated with sugar,
or with almonds, into the form of an emulsion, or dissolved in
spirit, and mixed with syrups, it purges plentifully in a small dose,
without occasioning much disorder: the part of the jalap remain-
ing after the separation of the resin, yields to water an extract,.
which has no effect as a cathartic, but operates powerfully by urine.
Officinal Preparations.
Tincturajalapse, E. L. D. - vide, Tincture?.
Extractum jalaps, E. L. D. - Extracta.
Pulvis jalapse compositus, E. Pulveres.
Tinctura sennae composita, E. - - - Tincture? *
CONVOLVULUS PANDURATUS.
Wild potatoe.
This is supposed by professor Barton to be the Mechameck
or wild-rhubarb of some of our Indians. In the state of Delaware
it is called wild-potatoe-vinej and the root Kussauder, or Kassa-
der (a corruption of the word Cassada). From one of our species
of Convolvulus, an extract has been procured, but little, if any
thing, inferior to the scammony of the shops. In Virginia, and
some other parts of the United States, the root of this plant has
been much recommended in cases of gravel. It is used either in
powder or in decoction. Dr. Harris, of New-Jersey, has found
an infusion or decoction of the root very useful in his own case.
He is persuaded, that it has enabled him to pass the calculous
granules, with much facility.^
* Barton's Collections, Part. I. p. 29. 54. Part. II. 49'
-atfr
C— Copaifera Officinalis. 323
COPAIFERA OFFICINALIS. Resina. Ed.
Balsamum Copaiva. L. Balsamum Copaiba. D.
Copaiva tree. The resin. Balsam of Copaiva.
Willd.g. 880. sp. 1. Decandria Alonog-ynia. — Nat. ord. Dumoscc.
The tree which produces this resin is a native of the Spanish
West-India islands, and of some parts of the continent of South
America. It grows to a large size, and the resinous juice flows
in considerable quantities from incisions made in the trunk.
The juice is clear and transparent, -of a whitish or pale yellow-
ish colour, an agreeable smell, and a bitterish pungent taste. It
is usually about the consistence of oil or a little thicker; when
long kept, it becomes nearly as thick as honey, retaining its clear-
ness, but has not been observed to grow dry or solid, as most of
the other resinous juices do. The best resin of copaiva comes
from Brazil; but we sometimes meet with a thick sort which is
not at all transparent, or much less so than the foregoing, and
generally has a portion of turbid watery liquor at the bottom.
This is probably either adulterated by the mixture of other sub-
stances, or has been extracted by decoction from the bark and
branches of the tree: its smell and taste are much less pleasant
than those of the genuine resin.
Pure resin of copaiva dissolves entirely in alcohol: the solution
has a very fragrant smell. Distilled with water it yields a large
quantity of a limpid essential oil, but no benzoic acid: it is there-
fore not a balsam, but a combination of resin and essential oil.
Neumann says that it effervesces with liquid ammonia.
Medical use. — The resin of copaiva is an useful corroborating
detergent medicine, but in some degree irritating. It strengthens
the nervous system, tends to loosen the belly; in large doses
proves purgative, promotes urine, and cleans and heals exulcera-
tions in the urinary passages, which it is supposed to perform
more effectually than any of the other resinous fluids. Fuller ob-
serves, that it gives the urine an intensely bitter taste, but not a
violet smell as the turpentines do.
This resin has been principally celebrated in gleets and the
fluor albus, and externally as a vulnerary.
The dose of this medicine rarely exceeds twenty or thirty
drops, though some authors direct sixty or upwards. It may be
conveniently taken in the form of an oleo-saccharum, or in that of
an emulsion, into which it may be reduced, by triturating it with
almonds, with a thick mucilage of gum-arabic, or with the yolk
of eggs, till they are well incorporated, and then gradually adding
a proper quantity of water-
j.
324 Materia Medica.
CORIANDRUM SATIVUM. Semen. Ed.
CORIANDRUM. L. D.
Coriander. The seeds.
Willd.g. 532. sp. 1. Pentandria Digynia.—'Nat. ord. Umbellate?*
D. Koriander. P. Cocntro, Coriandro.
DA. Koriander. POL. Koryander.
F. Coriandre. R, Koriander.
G. Koriander. S. Cilantro, Culantro.
I. Coriandro, Curiandolo. ^W. Koriander.
Coriander is an annual, umbelliferous plant, a native of the
south of Europe, differing from all the others of that class in pro-
ducing spherical seeds. These, when fresh, have a strong disagree-
able smell, which improves by drying, and becomes sufficiently
grateful: they are recommended as carminative and stomachic.
Officinal Prepahations.
Infusum sennte tartarisatum, L. - vide Infusa.
tamarindi cum senna, E. - Idem,
Tinctura sennse composita, E. Tinctura.
Electuarium sennse, E. L. - - Ekctuaria.
CORNUS FLORIDA.
Common Dogwood.
This beautiful shrub is found in every part of the United
States. In the New-England states it is known by the name of
Boxwood. The bark is considerably astringent, and has long
been employed in intermittent fevers. A decoction of it has like-
wise beenfound useful in the yellow water of horses, so fatal within
the few last years. An agreeable bitter is made by infusing the
ripe fruit or berries, in spirits or brandy. The Indians employ an
infusion of the flowers in intermittents; and the same has been
recommended in flatulent colic.
The bark of the root, stem, and smaller branches is employed.
That of the root is deemed most efficacious. It is sometimes
combined with the oars of the Liriodendron, either in decoction
et in substance.*
* Barton's Collections?. Part I. n. 12. Ai
C. — Crocus Sativus. 325
CORNUS SERICEA.
Red-Willow. Rose-Willow.
The bark of this shrub has been found but little inferior to the
common pale Peruvian bark in intermittents.
The bark forms a beautiful tincture with proof spirits, and is,
as also the powdered bark of both species, deserving of a place in
the shops.f
For a particular account of these vegetables, the reader is re-
ferred to Dr. John M. Walker's " Experimental inquiry into the
similiarity in virtue between the Cornus Florida and Sericea, and
the Cinchona Officinalis of Linnaeus, &c. &c. Philadelphia, 1803."
CORTEX PERUVIANUS. Vide Cinchona.
CRETA. Vide Carbonas Calais.
CROCUS SATIVUS. Floris stigmata. Ed,
Crocus. L. Filamenta. D.
Common Saffron. The summits of the pistils.
Willd. g. 92. sp. 1. Triandria Monogynia. — Nat. ord. Liliacece,
D.
Saffraan.
P.
A$afrao.
DA.
Saffran .
POL.
Szafran.
F.
Safran.
R.
Schafran,
G.
Saffran.
S.
Azafran.
I.
Zafferanoy
Gruogo.
SW.
Saffran.
Crocus is a bulbous-rooted perennial plant, probably a native
of the East, although it is now found wild in England, and other
temperate countries of Europe. It is very generally cultivated as
an ornament to our gardens, and in some places for the saffron,
which is formed of the dried summits of the pistil, and not of the
filaments, as stated by the Dublin College. Each flower has one
pistil, the summit of which is deeply divided into three slips,
which are of a dark orange-red colour, verging to white at the
base, and are smooth and shining. Their smell is pleasant and
aromatic, but narcotic; their taste a fine aromatic bitter, and they
immediately give a deep yellow colour to the saliva when chewed.
The flowers are gathered early in the morning, just before they
open; the summits of the pistils are picked out, very carefully
t Barton's Collections, Part I. p. 12.
326 Materia Medica.
dried by the heat of a stove, and compressed into firm cakes. In
Great Britain the saffron is superior to what is imported from
other countries, and may be distinguished by its blades being
broader.
On the continent they reckon the Austrian and the French
from Gatinois the best. The Spanish is rendered useless, by be-
ing dipt in oil, with the intention of preserving it. Saffron should
be chosen fresh, not above a year old, in close cakes, neither dry,
nor yet very moist; tough and firm in tearing; difficultly pulver-
izable; of a fiery, orange red colour; of the same colour within as
without; of a strong, acrid, diffusive smell; and capable of colour-
ing a very large proportion of water or alcohol. Saffron which
does not colour the fingers when rubbed between them, or stains
them with oil, has little smell or taste, or a musty or foreign fla-
vour, is too tender, and has a whitish, yellow, or blackish colour,
is bad. It is said that it is sometimes adulterated with the fibres
of smoked beef, and with the flowers of the carthamus tinctorius,
calendula officinalis, &c. The imposition may be detected by the
absence of the white ends, which may be observed in the real saf-
fron, by the inferior colouring power, and by the want of smell,
or bad smell when thrown on live coals.
By distillation with water, saffron furnishes a small proportion
qf essential oil, of a golden yellow colour, heavier than water, and
possessing the characteristic smell in an eminent degree. Accord-
ing to Hermbstaedt, the soluble matter of saffron is extractive
nearly pure. Neumann obtained from 480 dried saffron 360
grains of watery extract which was soluble in alcohol, except 24
of a colourless matter like sand, and afterwards 20 of alcoholic;
and inversely, 320 of alcoholic extract entirely soluble in water,
and then 90 of watery.
On account of the great volatility of the aromatic part of the
saffron, it should be wrapt up in a bladder, and preserved in a
box or tin case.
Saffron is a very elegant aromatic: besides the virtues which it
has in common with all the bodies of that class, it has been alleg-
ed that it remarkably exhilarates, raises the spirits, and is deserv-
edly accounted one of the highest cordials: taken in large doses,
it is said to occasion immoderate mirth, involuntary laughter, and
the ill effects which follow from the abuse of spiritous liquors.
The medicine is also said to be particularly serviceable in hys-
teric depressions, or obstruction of the uterine secretions, where
other aromatics, even those of the more generous kind, have little
effect. But some experiments made by Dr. Alexander serve to
show that it is much less powerful than was once imagined: and
it was given in the Edinburgh infirmary by Dr. Henry Cullen,
even to the extent of half an ounce a day, in several hysterical
cases, without any sensible effect whatever; so that of late the
C— Croton Eleutheria. 327
estimation in which it was held as a medicine has been on the
decline.
Officinal Preparations.
Syrupus croci, L. vide Syrupi.
Tinctura croci, E. - - - - Tinctures*
aloes cum myrrha, E. L. - Idem.
cinchonae composita, L. D. - Idem.
rhabarbari, L. - - - Idem.
composita, L. - Idem.
aloes setherea, E. Tinctures ceth erect .
Vinum rhabarbari, L. Vina medicata.
Pilulse aloes cum myrrha, L. E. - - Pilulce.
Electuarium aromaticum, D. Electuaria.
Confectio aromatica, L. - - - Idem.
CROTON ELEUTHERIA. (Sxvartz. Prod.) Cortex. E£
Cascarilla. Cortex. L. D.
Eleutheria or Cascarilla. The bark.
Monoecia Adelphia. — Nat. ord. Tricoccce.
This bark is imported into Europe from the Bahama islands,
and particularly from one of them of the name of Eleutheria;
from which circumstance it was long known by the title of Eleu-
theria. But Dr. Wright also found the tree on the sea-shore in
Jamaica, where it is common, and rises to about twenty feet. It
is the Clutia eluteria of Linnreus: the bark of whose Croton cas-
carilla has none of the sensible qualities of the cascarilla of the>
shops.
The cascarilla is in general brought to us either in curled
pieces or rolled up into short quills, about an inch in width, some-
what resembling in appearance the Peruvian bark. It is covered
with a rough whitish epidermis; and in the inside it is of a brown-
ish cast. When broken, it exhibits a smooth, close, dark-brown
surface.
This bark, when freed from the epidermis, which is insipid
and inodorous, has a light agreeable smell, and a moderately
bitter taste, accompanied with a considerable aromatic warmth.
It is easily inflammable, and yields, when burning, a very fragrant
smell, resembling that of musk; a property which distinguishes
the cascarilla from all other barks.
Its active constituents are aromatic essential oil and bitter ex-
328 Materia Medica.
tractive. Its virtues are partially extracted by water, and totallV
by rectified spirit; but it is most effectual when given in sub-
stance.
Medical use* — It produces a sense of heat, and excites the ac-
tion of the stomach; and it is therefore a good and pleasant sto-
machic, and may be employed with advantage in flatulent colics,
internal hemorrhagies, dysenteries, diarrhoeas, and similar dis-
orders.
As the essential oil is dissipated in making the extract, this
preparation acts as a simple bitter. It was much employed by the
Stahlians in intermittent fever, from their fear of using Cinchona
hark, to which, however, it is much inferior in efficacy.
Officinal Preparations.
Tinctura cascarill*, L. D. - - vide Tincturx.
Extractum cascarilke, L. Extracta*
CUCUMIS COLOCYNTHIS. Fructus, cortice semimbusqut
objectis. Ed,
Colocynthis. Fructus medulla. L. D.
Coloquintida, or bitter apple. The medullary part of the fruit,
Monoecia Syngenesia. — Nat. ord. Cucurbitacece.
D.
Bitter apfielen, Quintafi-
P.
Coloqui?itidas, Cabacin
fielen.
has.
DA.
Coloquinter.
POL.
Kolokwintyda.
F.
Coloquintes.
R.
Kolozintii.
G.
Koloquinten.
S.
Coloquintidasy Tueras,
I.
Coloquintida.
Calabacillas.
sw.
Coloquinter.
This is an annual plant of the gourd kind, a native of Turkey.
The fruit is about the size of an orange; its medullary part, freed
from the rind and seeds, is alone made use of in medicine; this is
very light, white, spongy, composed of membranous leaves, of an
extremely bitter,* nauseous, acrimonious taste. It is gathered in
autumn when it begins to turn yellow, and is then peeled and
dried quickly, either in a stove or in the sun. In the latter case it
should be covered with paper.
Neumann got from 7680 parts 1680 alcoholic extract, and then
2160 watery; and inversely, 3600 watery and 224 alcoholic.
* Bitter principle, (Thomson), Intensely bitter, of a yellowish colour,
ductile while soft, brittle when dry, not fusible, soluble in alcohol and in water.
:>ot crystallizable, precipitated by nitrate of silver, acetate of lead.
C. — Cuminum Cyminum. 329
Medical use. — Colocynth is one of the most powerful and most
violent cathartics. Many eminent physicians condemn it as dan-
gerous, and even deleterious: others recommend it not only as an
efficacious purgative, but likewise as an alterative in obstinate
chronical disorders. This much is certain, that colocynth, in the
dose of a few grains, acts with great vehemence, disorders the
body, and sometimes occasions a discharge of blood. Many at-
tempts have been made to correct its virulence, by the addition
of acids, astringents, and the like: these may lessen the force of
the colocynth, but no otherwise than might be equally done by a
reduction of the dose. The best method of abating its virulence,
without diminishing its purgative virtue, seems to be by triturat-
:ng it with gummy farinaceous substances, or the oily seeds.
Officinal Preparations.
Extractum colocynthidis compositum, L. vide Ext r acta.
Piluke aloes cum colocynthide, L. - Pilules-,
CUMINUM CYMINUM. Cuminum. Semen. L,
Cumin. The seeds.
Willd. g. 547. sp. 1. — Pentandria Monogynia. — Nat. ord.
Umbellatcc.
D. Komyn. POL. Kmin, Kmin kramny,
DA. Kummen. R. Kmin, Timon.
F. Cumin. S. Comino.
G. Kumin, Longer Kummel. S\V. Kummin, Cumin, Sjiis-
I. Comino, Cumino. kumin.
P. Cuminho, Cominhos.
The cumin is an annual umbelliferous plant, in appearance
resembling fennel, but much smaller. It is a native of Egypt;
but the seeds used in Britain are brought chiefly from Sicily and
Malta. Cumin seeds have a bitterish warm taste, accompanied
with an aromatic flavour, not of the most agreeable kind, residing
in a volatile oil.
Officinal Preparations.
Cataplasma cumini, L. vide Cataplasmata.
Emplastrum cumini, L. - Unguenta.
2 T
D.
Coper.
DA.
Robber.
F.
Cuivre.
G.
Kupfer,
I.
liame.
330 Materia Medica.
CUPRUM.— COPPER. Ed.L.t).
P. Cobre.
POL. Medz.
R. Mjed, Krasnoi mjed*
S. Cobre.
SW. Kop/iar.
Copper. Bright red; disagreeable taste and smell when rubbed
or heated; sp. gr. 7.79; ductile; of great tenacity: sonorous;
fusible at 27° Wedgewood; granulated texture, and subject to
blisters; a good conductor of caloric, electricity, and galvanism;
becomes brown, and at last green in the air; when heated, turns
blue, yellow, violet, deep brown; when ignited and plunged into
water, forms brown, brittle scales of oxide. Its phosphuret is
brilliant, brittle, hard, and fusible; its sulphuret, brown, fusible,
and very phosphoric; its alloy with arsenic is white, with bismuth
reddish, with antimony violet, mercury deep red, with zinc forms
brass, and with tin is orange; it is oxidized and dissolved by the
sulphuric, nitric, and muriatic acids; its oxide is brown, brittle,
and soluble in ammonia, producing a beautiful blue.
Copper is found in many countries*
a. In its metallic state:
1. Crystallized.
2. Alloyed with arsenic and iron'.
3. Sulphuretted.
bt Oxidized:
4. Uncombined.
5. Combined with carbonic acid.
6. — • sulphuric acid.
7. ■' ' " — arsenic acid.
Copper has a more perceptible smell and taste than almost any
other metal. Its effects when taken into the stomach are highly
deleterious, and often fatal. It particularly affects the prima? vise,
exciting excessive nausea, vomiting, colic pains, and purging,
sometimes of blood, or, though more rarely, obstinate constipation.
It also produces agitation of the mind, headach, vertigo, deliri-
um; renders the pulse small and weak, the countenance pale, and
causes fainting, convulsions, paralysis, and apoplexy. When any
of these symptoms occur, we must endeavour to obviate the ac-
tion of the poison by large and copious draughts of oily and mu-
cilaginous liquors, or to destroy its virulence by solutions of pot-
336, or sulphuret of potass. (
C— Cuprum. 3S1
Poisoning from copper is most commonly the effect of igno-
rance, accident, or carelessness; and too many examples are met
with of fatal consequences ensuing upon eating food which had
been dressed in copper vessels not well cleansed from the rust
which they had contracted by lying in the air; or pickles, to which
a beautiful green colour had been given, according to the murder-
ous directions of the most popular cookery books, by boiling them
with halfpence, or allowing them to stand in a brass pan until a
sufficient quantity of verdegris was formed.
Great care ought to be taken that acid liquors, or even waters,
designed for internal use, be not suffered to stand long in vessels
made of copper, otherwise they will dissolve so much of the metal
as will give them dangerous properties. But the sure prevent-
ive of these accidents is to banish copper utensils from the kitchen
and laboratory. The presence of copper in any suspected liquor
is easily detected by inserting into it a piece of polished steel,
which will soon be coated with copper, or by dropping into it
some carbonate of ammonia, which will produce a beautiful blue
colour if any copper be present.
But although copper be thus dangerous, some preparations of
it are in certain cases used with great advantage both externallv
and internally.
The chief of these aje,
1. The sub-acetite of copper.
2. The sulphate of copper.
3. The sub-sulphate of copper and ammonia.
4. The muriate of copper and ammonia.
5. A solution of the sulphate of copper, and super-sulphate
of alumina in sulphuric acid.
The two first of these are never prepared by the apothecarv,
but are bought by him from the manufacturer.
332 Materia Medic.a.
SUB-ACETIS CUPRI. Ed.
Sub-ncetite of Copper.
jErugo. L. D,
Verdegris.
D. Sfiaansch groen. POL. Gryszpcui.
DA. Sfiansk grbnt \ R. Jar.
F. Ferd-de-gris, Verdet. S. Cardenillo, Verdett, Ver-de-
G. Griinspan. gris.
I. Verderame. SW. Spansk grb'na.
P. Vcrdete, Verdegris,
CardinUho.
The preparation of this substance was almost confined to
Montpelier in France, owing chiefly to an excellent regulation
which existed, that no verdegris could be sold until it had been
examined and found of sufficiently good quality. For since that
regulation has been abolished, Chaptal informs us, that so many
abuses have crept into the manufacture, that the Montpelier
verdegris has lost its decided superiority of character. It is pre-
pared by stratifying copper plates with the husks and stalks of the
grape, which have been made to ferment after the wine has been
expressed from them. In from ten to twenty days, when the husks
become white, the plates of copper are taken out, and their sur-
faces are found to be covered with detached and silky crystals.
They are now placed on edge, with their surfaces in contact, in
the corner of a cellar, and alternately dipt in water, and replaced
to dry every seven or eight days, for six or eight times. By this
management, the plates swell, and are everywhere covered with
a coat of verdegris, which is easily separated with a knife. In this
state it is only a paste, and is sold by the manufacturers to com-
missioners, who beat it well with wooden mallets, and pack it up
in bags of white leather, a foot high and ten inches wide, in which
it is dried by exposing it to the air and sun, until the loaf of ver-
degris cannot be pierced with the point of a knife.
Sub-acetite of copper should be of a bluish green colour, dry
and difficult to break, and should neither deliquesce, have a salt
taste, contain any black or white spots, nor be adulterated with
earth or gypsum. Its purity may be tried by diluted sulphuric
acid, in which the sub-acetite dissolves entirely, and the impuri-
ties remain behind.
Verdegris, as it comes to us, is generally mingled with stalks of
the grape; they may be separated, in pulverization^ by discon-
tinuing the operation as soon as what remains seems to be almost
entirely composed of them.
C. — Cuprum. — Liquor Cupri Ammoniati. 333
Medical use, — Verdegris is never, or rarely used internally.
Some writers highly extol it as an emetic, and say, that a grain
or two act as soon as received into the stomach; but its use has
been too often followed by dangerous consequences to allow'of
its employment. Verdegris applied externally, proves a gentle
detergent and escharotic, and is employed to destroy callous
edges, or fungous flesh in wounds. It is also advantageously ap-
plied to scorbutic ulcers of the mouth, tongue, or fauces, and de-
serves to be carefully tried in cancerous sores. With these inten-
tions it is an ingredient in different officinal compositions.
Officinal Preparations.
iErugo prasparata, L.
Oxymel aeruginis, L. - vide Mella medicata,
Acidum acetosum, L. Aciduni acetosum,
Unguentum sub-acetitis cupri, E. - Unguenta.
Emplastrum meloes vesicatorii composi-
tum, E. Idem.
AERUGO PR^PARATA. D. L.
Prepared Verdegris.
Let the Verdegris be ground to powder, and the minute particles
be separated in the manner directed for the preparation of crabs
claws. Vide Carbonas calcis prceparatus.
The intention of this process is merely to obtain the sub-ace*
tate of copper in the state of the most minute mechanical division .
Officinal Preparation.
Liquor cupri ammoniati, L. D.
LIQUOR CUPRI AMMONIATI; olim Aojja Sappha-
RINA. D.
Liquor of Ammoniated Copper ^ formerly Sapphire Water,
Aojja Cupri Ammoniati. L.
Water of Ammoniated Copper.
Take of
Lime water, fresh made, eight ounces;
Sal ammoniac, two scruples;
334 Materia Medica.
Verdegris prepared, four grains.
Mix and digest them for twenty-four hours, then pour off the
pure liquor. (D.)
In this preparation the lime water decomposes the muriate of
ammonia and forms muriate of lime; while the ammonia disen-
gaged immediately re-acts upon the oxide of copper contained in
the verdegris, and renders it soluble. But as the quantity of lime
employed is not sufficient to decompose all the muriate of ammo-
nia, the solution contains muriate of ammonia, muriate of lime,
and ammoniaret of copper, forming probably a triple salt, with
the acetic acid. The mode of preparing this solution, adopted by
the London college, is the remains of a fortuitous pharmacy, now
justly exploded by the other colleges.
Medical use * — /This compound solution is applied externally for
cleaning foul ulcers, and disposing them to heal. It has been re-
commended also for taking off specks and films from the eyes;
but when used with this intention, it ought to be diluted with
some pure water, as in the degree of strength in which it is here
ordered, it irritates and inflames the eyes considerably.
SULPHAS CUPRI. Ed.
Sulphate of Copper.
Cuprum Vitriol atum. D. Vitriolum Coeruleum. L.
Blue vitriol.
D. Blaauw Vitriool, Kofier- I. Vitriuolo turchino, di rame9
vitriool, Roomsch Vi- ci/irio.
triool. P. Vitriolo cle cobre.
DA. Blaa, Vitriol, Kobber R. Sinei Kufieros.
Vitriol^ Blaat Robber- S. Vitriolo azul, de cobre , Romano^
-vand. de Chijire.
F. Vitriol bleu, Coufierose SW. Bla Vitriol, Kopjiar Vitriol.
bleue, Vitriol Romain, POL. Kofiertvas cyfiryy&ki mo-
Vitriol de Chyfire. dry.
G. Blauer Vitriol, Kufifer
• Vitriol, Romischer Vi-
triol.
This metallic salt is rarely formed by combining directly its
component parts; but it is obtained, either by evaporating mineral
waters which contain it, or by acidifying native sulphuretted cop-
per, by exposing it to the action of air and moisture, or by burn-
ing its sulphur.
C— Cuprum.— Solutio Sulph. Cupri Composita. 335
When pure it has a deep blue colour, and is crystallized gene-
rally in long rhomboids. It effloresces slightly in the air, is solu-
ble in four parts of water at 60°, and in two at 212°, and is inso-
luble in alcohol. By heat it loses, first its water of crystallization,
and afterwards all its acid. It is decomposed by the alkalies and
earths, and some of the metals, the alkaline carbonates, borate*,
and phosphates, and some metallic salts.
It is composed of,
Copper, 24*1
Oxygen, 8 v 42 hydro-oxide of copper.
Water, lOj
33 sulphuric acid.
25 water of crystallization*.
100
The sulphate of copper has a strong, styptic, metallic taste, and
is chiefly used externally as an escharotic for destroying warts,
callous edges, and fungous excrescences, as a stimulant applica-
tion to ill-conditioned ulcers, and as a styptic to bleeding surfaces.
Taken internally, it operates, in very small doses, as a very pow-
erful emetic. It has, however, been exhibited in incipient phthisis
pulmonalis, intermittent fever, and epilepsy; but its use is not
free from danger.
Officinal Preparations.
Solutio sulphatis cupri composita, E.
Ammoniaretum cupri, E. L. D.
SOLUTIO SULPHATIS CUPRI COMPOSITA. Ed.
Olim, Aojja Styptica.
Compound Solution of Sulphate of Capper, formerly Styptic Watef.
Take of
Sulphate of copper,
Sulphate of alumina, each three ounces;
Water two pounds;
Diluted sulphuric acid, an ounce and a half.
Boil the sulphates in the water to dissolve them, and then add
the acid to the liquor filtered through paper. (E.)
In this preparation, the substances dissolved in the water exert
no chemical action on each other, and the composition was pro-
336 Materia Medica.
bably contrived from the false idea, that the sum of the powers
of substances having similar virtues was increased by mixing
them with each other.
Medical use. — It is chiefly used as a styptic for stopping bleed-
ings at the nose; and for this purpose, cloths or dossils, steeped
in the liquor, are to be applied to the part.
AMMONIARETUM CUPRI; olim, Cuprum Ammonia-
cum. Ed.
Ammoniaret of Copper, formerly Ammouiacal Copper*
Cuprum Ammoniatum. D.
Ammoniated Copper.
Take of
Purest sulphate of copper, two parts;
Carbonate of ammonia, three parts.
Rub them carefully together in a glass mortar, until after the ef-
fervescence has entirely ceased, they unite into a violet-colour-
ed mass which must be wrapped up in blotting paper, and first
dried on a chalk stone, and afterwards by a gentle heat. The
product must be kept in a glass phial well closed. (E.)
The difference between the proportions of the ingredients of
this preparation, directed by the two colleges, is very striking.
We know of no experiments to ascertain which of them is most
correct. It may seem strange that directions are given so parti-
cularly concerning the manner of drying a mixture which is pre-
pared by rubbing two dry substances together. But such a phe-
nomenon is by no means uncommon, and arises from the quan-
tity of water of crystallization contained in the ingredients being
greater than what is required by the new compound formed: as
soon, therefore, as the ingredients begin to act upon each other,
a quantity of water is set at liberty, which renders the mass moist.
The nature of this compound, and consequently the name
which should be given it, are not yet sufficiently ascertained.
Prepared according to the directions of the colleges, it evidently
contains oxide of copper, ammonia, and sulphuric acid. If these
substances be chemically combined, it should be denominated
the Sulphate or Sub-sulphate of copper and ammonia. By the
exposure to the air during its exsiccation, and by keeping, it is
apt to lose its blue colour entirely, and become green, and is
probably converted into carbonate of copper.
C. — Cuprum. — Ammoniaretum Cupri. 337
There is another way of preparing this substance, less econo-
mical indeed, but more instructive to the student of chemistry,
and less liable to variety in the product. Into a saturated solution
of sulphate of copper, drop a solution of carbonate of ammonia,
or, what is better, water of ammonia, until the bluish green pre-
cipitate, which is formed at first, be redissolved, and the liquor
regain its transparency, and become of a beautiful deep blue co-
lour. Concentrate this solution by evaporation, and mix it with
about an equal quantity of alcohol, upon which the salt immedi-
ately precipitates in silky blue crystals, which are to be collected
by filtration, dried, and kept in a phial with a ground-glass stop-
per.
Ammonia, having a stronger affinity for sulphuric acid than
oxide of copper has, separates the oxide, which, being insoluble,
is precipitated into the form of a bluish green powder. 'But as
this oxide itself is soluble in ammonia, it is redissolved when
more ammonia is added than is sufficient to saturate the acid. In-
stead of obtaining the compound thus formed in a dry state by
evaporation, which would partly decompose it, advantage is ta-
ken of its insolubility in alcohol, which, from its more powerful
affinity, separates the water of the solution, and precipitates the
cupreous salt in silky blue crystals. When a sufficient quantity of
alcohol has been employed, it merely abstracts the water of the
solution, and precipitates the whole of the saline matter contained
in it, which we are therefore disposed to consider as a ternary
compound of sulphuric acid, oxide of copper, and ammonia. By
drying, this precipitate undergoes some alteration, for it is no
longer totally soluble in water. As, however, the solution is
easily effected by the addition of ammonia, it would appear that
the alteration consists in the decomposition of part of the am-
monia.
Medical use, — This preparation has sometimes been serviceable
in epilepsies; but, from its frequent want of success, and the disa-
greeable consequences with which its use is sometimes attended,
it has not lately been much prescribed. It is employed by begin-
ning with doses of half a grain, twice a day; and increasing them
gradually to as much as the stomach will bear. Dr. Cullen some-
times increased the dose to five grains.
2U
338 Materia Me die a.
CURCUMA LONGA. Curcuma. Radix. L.
Turmeric, The root.
Willd. £*.!!. sp. 2. Monandria Monogynia. — Nat. ord. Scitaminea\
D.
Kurkuma.
POL. Szafranica,
Ostrzy
DA.
Gurgumeye.
indyyski.
F.
Curcuma, Terre merite.
R. Kurkuma.
G.
Kurkuma.
S. Curcuma.
I.
Curcuma.
SW. Gurkmaja.
P.
Curcuma, Acafrao da India.
Turmeric is a perennial plant, a native of the East Indies. The
roots are tuberous, knotty, and long, wrinkled, externally of a
pale yellow colour, and internally of a shining saffron brown.
They have a weak aromatic smell, and a slightly bitter aromatic
taste. They contain a very little essential oil; and Neumann got
from 960 parts, 320 watery, and afterwards 50 alcoholic extract,
and inversely 150 alcoholic, and 210 watery.
Medical use. — Turmeric, when taken internally, tinges the
urine of a deep yellow colour, and acts as a gentle stimulant. It
has been celebrated in diseases of the liver, jaundice, cachexy,
dropsy, intermittent fevers, &c. But its internal use in Great
Britain is almost confined to its being a principal ingredient in
the composition of curry powder, in which form it is used in im-
mense quantities in the East Indies. It is also a valuable dye-stuff,
and an excellent chemical test of the presence of uncombined
alkalies; for the yellow colour of turmeric is changed by them to
a reddish brown.
CYNARA SCOLYMUS. Folia. Ed.
ClNARA HORTENSIS. ClNARA. L. D.
Artichoke. The leaves.
Syngenesia Polygamia cequalis — Nat. ord. Compositor capitate.
The artichoke is a perennial plant, indigenous in the south of
Europe, but very frequently cultivated in our gardens for culi-
nary purposes.
The leaves are bitter, and afford by expression a considerable
quantity of juice, which is said to be diuretic, and to have been
successfully used in dropsy.
D. — Daphne Me^ereum. 339
D.
DAPHNE MEZEREUM.
Mezereum. L. D. Radicis Cortex,
Mezereon, or spurge laurel. The bark of the root,
Willd,g, 773. sp, 1. Octandria Monogynia. — Nat. ord. Veprecidce.
Mezereon is a shrub which grows in woody situations in the
northern parts of Europe, and is admitted into our gardens from
its flowering in winter. The bark, which is taken from the trunk,
larger branches, and root, is thin, striped reddish, commonly co-
vered with a brown cuticle, has no smell, and when chewed, ex-
cites an insupportable sensation of burning in the mouth and
throat. When applied to the skin in its recent state, or infused
in vinegar, it raises blisters.
Medical use. — The root was long used in the Lisbon diet-drink,
for venereal complaints, particularly nodes and other symptoms
resisting the use of mercury. The bark of the root contains most
acrimony, though some prefer the woody part. Mezereon has
also been used with good effects in tumours and cutaneous erup-
tions not venereal.
Dr. Cullen says that it acts upon the urine, sometimes giving
it a filamentous appearance, and upon the perspiration, without
diminishing the strength remarkably; and that in irritable habits
it quickens the pulse, and increases the heat of the whole body.
But Mr. Pearson of the Lock Hospital says, that excepting a case
or two of lepra, in which a decoction of this plant conferred tem-
porary benefit, he very seldom found it possessed of medicinal
virtues, either in syphilis, or in the sequelae of that disease. In
scrofula, or in cutaneous affections, it is employed chiefly under
the form of decoction; and it enters the decoctum sarsaparilloe
compositum of the London college; but it has also been used in
powder, combined with some inactive one, as that of liquorice
root. It is apt to occasion vomiting and purging; so must be be-
gun in grain-doses, and gradually increased. It is often combined
with mercury.
The berries are still more acrid than the bark, and they have
even been known to produce fatal effects on children, who have
heen tempted by their beauty to cat them. It is said that they
340 Materia Medic a.
are sometimes infused in vinegar, to make it more pungent, and
appear stronger.
Officinal Preparations.
Decoctum daphnes mezerei, E. - vide Decocta.
sarsaparillse compositum, L. D. Idem.
DATURA STRAMONIUM. Herba. Ed.
Stramonium Officinale.
Thorn-apple. James-town weed. The plant.
Willd.g. 377. sp. 2. Pentandria Monogynia. — Nat. ord. Solanacece,
The Thorn-apple is an annual plant, a native of America, but
now growing wild on dry hills and uncultivated places in England
and other parts of Europe. The leaves are dark green, sessile,
large, egg-shaped, pointed, angular, and deeply indented, of a
disagreeable smell and nauseous taste. Every part of the plant is
a strong narcotic poison, producing vertigo, torpor, death. The
best antidote to its effects is said to be vinegar.
Medical use. — Dr. Stork first tried it as a remedy in mania and
melancholy with considerable success. Several cases of the same
diseases were also cured or relieved by it, under the direction of
different Swedish physicians; and although in other experiments
it frequently failed, it deserves the attention of practitioners, and
well merits a trial, in affections often incurable by other means.
Besides maniacal cases, the stramonium has been also employ-
ed and sometimes with advantage, in convulsive and epileptic af-
fections. It is not only taken internally, but has also been used
externally. An ointment prepared from the leaves of the stramo-
nium has also been said to give ease in external inflammations
and haemorrhoids.
The inspissated juice of the leaves has been commonly used,
but its exhibition requires the greatest caution. At first, one-
fourth of a grain is a sufficient dose.
The powder of the leaves or seeds promises to furnish a more
certain or convenient formula than the inspissated juice.
According to Professor Barton, the Stramonium is a south-
ern plant, which is gradually diffusing itself, where, a few years
since it was entirely unknown. In 1797, the Doctor adds, he
was shown a solitary plant, at Wilkesbarre, in the Wyoming set-
tlement, where it was deemed a great curiosity, and a new-comer.
Taken in large quantities, this vegetable sometimes induces te-
tanus. Dr. Barton mentions the cases of three British soldiers,
D. — Decocta. 341
who ate the Stramonium by mistake for Lambs-quarters (Che-
nopodium album). One became furious and ran about like a
madman. A second was seized with genuine tetanus, of which
he died. The fate of the third person is not remembered.
Dr. Barton considers the Stramonium as a medicine of great
and invaluable powers. He begins its use, in doses of a few grains,
increasing it in a few days to 15 or 20 grains. In one case of
mania he gave it to the extent of 60 grains, at a dose. In a case,
in which it was exhibited to 30 grains, it dilated the pupil of one
eye, and produced palsy of the palpebra of the same, which was
removed by a blister.*
DAUCUS CAROTA. Semen. Ed.
Daucus Sylvestris. L. D.
Wild Carrot. The seed.
Willd. g. 530. sp. 1. Pentandria Digynia. — Nat. ord. Umbellate.
This is a biennial plant, which grows wild in Britain, and is
cultivated in great quantities as an article of food. The seeds,
especially of the wild variety, have a moderately warm pungent
taste, and an agreeable aromatic smell. They are carminative,
and are said to be diuretic. The roots, especially of the cultivated
variety, contain much mucilaginous and saccharine matter, and
are therefore highly nutritious and emollient. When beaten to a
pulp, they form an excellent application to carcinomatous and ill-
conditioned ulcers, allaying the pain, checking the suppuration
and fetid smell, and softening the callous edges.
DECOCTA.— DECOCTIONS.
Decoctions differ from infusions only in the action of the
menstruum being assisted by a boiling heat. At the same time,
however, that the increase of temperature facilitates and expe-
dites the solution of some fixed principles, it gives others a ten-
dency to decomposition, and dissipates all volatile matters.
Decoction, therefore, can only be used with advantage for the
extraction of principles which are neither volatilized not altered
by a boiling heat.
* Barton's Medical and Physical Journal, Vol. I. p. 146. — Collections,
Part I. p. 46. See also Dr. Cooper's " Inaugural dissertation on the properties
and effects of the Datura Stramonium, &.c.' Philadelphia: 1797"
342 Materia Medica.
To promote the action of the menstruum, infusion is some-
times premised to decoction.
In compound decoctions it is sometimes convenient not to put
in all the ingredients from the first, but in succession, according
to their hardness, and the difficulty with which their virtues are
extracted; and if any aromatic, or other substances containing
volatile principles, enter into the composition, the boiling decoc-
tion is to be simply poured upon them, and covered up until it
cool.
Decoctions should be made in vessels sufficiently large to pre-
vent any risk of boiling over, and should be continued without
interruption, and gently.
DECOCTUM ALTELEiE OFFICINALIS. Ed.
Decoction of Marshmalloivs.
Take of
Dried marshmallow roots, four ounces;
Raisins of the sun, stoned, two ounces;
Water, seven pounds.
Boil to five pounds; place apart the strained liquor till the feces
have subsided, then pour off the clear liquor. (E.)
Marshmallow roots contain nothing soluble in water except
mucilage, which is very abundant in them. This decoction is
therefore to be considered merely as an emollient, rendered more
pleasant by the acidulous sweetness of the raisins.
DECOCTUM ANTHEMIDIS NOBILIS; vulgo, Decqc-
tum ChamvEmeli sive Commune. Ed.
Common Decoction, or Decoction of Chamomile.
Decoctum Cham^meli; sive, Decoctum pro Enemate. D.
Decoction of Chamomile, or Decoction for Clysters.
Decoctum pro Enemate. L.
Decoction for Clysters.
Take of
Chamomile flowers, dried, one ounce";
Caraway seeds, half an ounce;
Water, five pounds.
Boil a quarter of an hour, and strain. (E.)
D.— Decocta. 343
DECOCTUM PRO FOMENTO. L.
Decoction for Fomentations*
Take of
The leaves of southernwood, dried,
The tops of sea wormwood, dried,
Chamomile flowers, dried, each one ounce;
Bay leaves, dried, half an ounce;
Distilled water, six pints.
Boil them a little, and strain. (L.)
These decoctions are merely solutions of bitter extractive.,
combined with essential oils. In making them, the aromatic sub-
stances should not be added until the decoction is nearly com-
pleted; for otherwise their flavour would be entirely dissipated.
It must, however, be acknowledged, that these impregnations
are for the most part unnecessary for the purpose of clysters;
and in ordinary cases, the bulk and warmth produce a discharge
before these medicines can have any effect.
As fomentations, their virtues are also in a great measure to be
ascribed to the influence of the warm water: and when the herbs
themselves are applied, they act only as retaining heat and mois-
ture for a longer time.
DECOCTUM CINCHONA OFFICINALIS; vulgo, Df
coctum Corticis Peruviani. Ed.
Decoction of Cinchona Bark,
Decoctum Corticis Peruviani. L. D.
Decoction of Peruvian Bark'
Take of
Cinchona bark, in powder, one ounce;
Water a pound and a half.
Boil for ten minutes in a covered vessel, and strain the liquor
while hot. (E.)
Cinchona bark readily yields its active principles to the action
of boiling water, and in greater quantity than cold water is capa-
ble of retaining dissolved; therefore, when a saturated decoction
cools, it becomes turbid, and there is always a deposition of a
yellowish or reddish powder, while the supernatant liquor is re-
duced to the strength of a saturated cold infusion. Decoction
344 Materia Medica.
therefore presents us with an easy means of obtaining immedi
ately an active preparation of cinchona bark, and with one of
greater strength than a cold or even a warm infusion, provided
it be drunk while tepid, and before it forms any deposition, or if
the precipitate be diffused by agitation, after it is formed. As
the precipitate contains no woody fibre, or other inert matter, it
is extremely probable that in very small doses it would prove, if
dried, a very powerful preparation of cinchona bark.
Formerly it was supposed that the strength of a decoction of
cinchona bark, and similar substances, was increased by continu-
ing the boiling for a great length of time; but this is now known
to be a mistake; and indeed, after a certain time, the decoction
becomes weaker instead of stronger, because water at different
temperatures is capable of dissolving only a determinate propor-
tion of its active principles; and therefore, as soon as it is saturat-
ed, any farther decoction is unnecessary. But moreover, these
principles, when dissolved in water, are liable to be decomposed
and become inert, by the absorption of atmospheric oxygen, and
this decomposition is increased by increase of temperature; and
as boiling constantly presents new surfaces to the action of the air,
it is evidently hurtful when protracted longer than what is just
necessary to saturate the water. Ten minutes is supposed by the
colleges to be sufficient for that purpose.
DECOCTUM CORNU CERVI. L.
Decoction of Hartshorn,
Take of
Burnt and prepared hartshorn, two ounces;
Gum arabic, six drachms;
Distilled water, three pints.
Boil, constantly stirring, to two pints; and strain. (L.)
Prepared hartshorn is phosphate of lime in a minute state of
mechanical division. By boiling in a mucilaginous liquid, it will
be diffused and imperfectly suspended, but not a particle of it will
be dissolved. T,his is therefore an extremely injudicious prepara-
tion; for phosphate of lime would be much more easily and effec-
tually suspended by triturating it with a larger proportion of gum
arabic, and adding the water gradually. But we believe that this
preparation has no other action than that of a weak mucilage.
D.— Decocta. 345
DECOCTUM DAPHNES MEZEREI. Ed.
Decoction of Mezereon.
Take of
The bark of Mezereon root, two drachms;
Liquorice root, bruised, half an ounce;
Water, three pounds.
Boil it, with a gentle heat, down to two pounds, and strain it. (E.)
From four to eight ounces of this decoction may be given four
times a day, in some obstinate venereal and rheumatic affections.
It operates chiefly by perspiration.
DECOCTUM DIGITALIS. Ed.
Decoction of Foxglove.
Take of
Foxglove leaves, dried, one drachm;
Water, as much as will furnish a strained decoction of eight
ounces, by measure.
Place the vessel upon a slow fire, and, as soon as the liquor
boils, remove it. Digest for a quarter of an hour, and strain.
This decoction, according to the proportion employed, is
twenty times weaker than that so much praised by Dr. Darwin;
but with a medicine of so great activity, it is an advantage to be
able to regulate the doses easilv; and it is probable that the
strength of decoctions is not increased in proportion as the quan-
tity of the menstruum is diminished.
DECOCTUM GEOFFRiEiE INERMIS. Ed.
Decoction of Cabbage-tree bark.
Take of
Bark of the cabbage-tree, powdered, one ounce,;
Water, two pounds.
Boil it with a gentle fire down to one pound, and strain. (E.)
This is a powerful anthelmintic. It may be given in doses of
one table- spoonful to children, and four to adults. If disagreeable
symptoms should arise from an over-dose, or from drinking cold
water during its action, we must immediately purge with castor
oil, and dilute with acidulated drinks.
2X
346 Materia Medica.
DECOCTUM GUAIACI OFFICINALIS COMPOSI-
TUM; vulgo, Decoctum Lignorum. Ed.
Compound Decoction of Guaiacum, commonly called Decoction of
the Woods.
Take of
Guaiacum raspings, three ounces;
Raisins, stoned, two ounces;
Sassafras root,
Liquorice, each one ounce;
Water, ten pounds.
Boil the guaiacum and raisins with the water, over a gentle fire,
to the consumption of one half; adding, towards the end, the
sassafras and liquorice. Strain the liquor, without expres-
sion. (E.)
This decoction is of use in some rheumatic and cutaneous af-
fections. It may be taken by itself, to the quantity of a quarter
of a pint twice or thrice a-day, or used as an assistant in a course
of mercurial or antimonial alteratives; the patient in either case,
keeping warm, in order to promote the operation of the medicine.
DECOCTUM HELLEBORI ALBI. L.
Decoction of White Hellebore.
Take of
The root of white hellebore, powdered, one ounce;
Distilled water, two pints;
Rectified spirit of wine, two ounces.
Boil the water with the root to one pint, and, the liquor being
cold and strained, add to it the spirit. (L.)
This decoction is only used externally as a wash, in tinea capi-
tis, lepra, psora, &c. When the skin is very tender and irritable,
it should be diluted with an equal quantity of water.
DECOCTUM HORDEI DISTICHI. Ed.
Decoctum Hordei. L.
Decoction of Barley. Barky xvater.
Take of
Pearl barley, two ounces;
Water, five pounds. (
D.— Decocta. 347
First wash the barley, from the me aly matter that adheres to it,
with some cold water; then boil it a little with about half a
pound of water, to extract the colouring matter. Throw this
away; and put the barley thus purified into five pounds of
boiling water, which is to be boiled down to one half, and
strained. (E. L.)
DECOCTUM HORDEI COMPOSITUM. L.
Compound Decoction of Barley,
Take of
The decoction of barley, two pints,
Figs, sliced, two ounces;
Liquorice root, sliced and bruised, half an ounce;
Raisins, stoned, two ounces;
Distilled water, one pint.
Boil to two pints, and strain. (L.)
These liquors are to be used freely, as diluting drinks, in
fevers and other acute disorders: hence it is of consequence that
they should be prepared so as to be as elegant and agreeable as
possible: for this reason they are inserted in the pharmacopoeia,
and the several circumstances which contribute to their elegance
set down: if any one of them be omitted, the beverage will be
less grateful. However trivial medicines of this class may appear
to be, they are of greater importance in the cure of acute diseases
than many more elaborate preparations.
Barley water, however, is much more frequently prepared by
nurses than apothecaries, particularly in its simple state.
DECOCTUM LICHENIS ISLANDICI. Dub.
Decoction of Iceland Moss.
Take of
Iceland moss, half an ounce;
Water, a pint.
Digest for two hours in a close vessel; then boil for a quarter of
an hour, and strain the liquor while hot.
I have already given my opinion of the nature and effects of
this mucilage. As in the present preparation the bitter principle
is not removed, it may have some action as a tonic; but it renders
it at the same time too nauseous to be used in sufficient quantity
to have much effect as an article of diet.
348 Materia Medica.
DECOCTUM POLYGALiE SENEGA. Ed.
Decoction of Seneka.
Take of
Seneka root, one ounce;
Water, two pounds.
Boil to sixteen ounces, and strain. (E.)
The virtues of this decoction will be easily understood from
those of the root from which it is prepared. The dose in hydro-
pic cases, and rheumatic or arthritic complaints, is two ounces,
three or four times a-day, according to its effect.
DECOCTUM SMILACIS SARSAPARILLA. Ed.
Decoctum Sarsaparilla. L. D.
Decoction of Sarsaparilla.
Take of
The root of sarsaparilla, sliced, six ounces;
Distilled water, eight pints.
Macerate for two hours, with a heat of about 195°; then take out
the root, and bruise it; return the bruised root to the liquor,
and again macerate it for two hours. Then, the liquor being
boiled to the measure of four pints, press it out, and strain. (E.)
The above formula is that of the London college; that of the
Edinburgh college differs from it only in omitting the second ma-
ceration, and that of the Dublin in not expressing the temperature
in which it is to be performed. It is indeed a very doubtful
remedy, and its diaphoretic effects are probably owing to its being
drunk warm. It is totally incapable of curing syphilis; but by
some it is thought useful in the sequela? of that disease.
DECOCTUM SARSAPARILLA COMPOSITUM. L. D.
Compound Decoction of Sarsaparilla.
Take of
The root of sarsaparilla, sliced and bruised, six ounces;
Bark of the root of sassafras,
Shavings of guaiacum wood,
Liquorice root, bruised, of each one ounce; '
D. — Delphinium Staphisagria. 349
Mezereon, three drachms;
Distilled water, ten pints.
Macerate, with a gentle heat, for six hours; then boil it down to
five pints, adding, towards the end of the boiling, the meze-
reon, and strain the liquor. (L.)
The directions of the Dublin college only differ in adding the
liquorice root along with the mezereon, and in reducing the
quantity of the ingredients used to one-fourth part.
This' compound decoction is an elegant mode of preparing an
article once highlv celebrated under the title of the Lisbon diet
drink, which, for a long time after its first introduction into
Britain, was kept a secret; but an account of the method of pre-
paring it was at length published in the physical and literary
Essays of Edinburgh, by Dr. Doi.ald Monro.
It operates as a diaphoretic, and may be given with advantage
in rheumatic cases, and in some of the sequela? of syphilis. Three
•r four ounces may be taken four times a-day.
DECOCTUM ULMI. (L.)
Decoction of Elm.
Take of
The fresh inner bark of elm, bruised, four ounces.
Distilled water, four pints.
Boil to two pints, and strain. (L.)
It has been chiefly, if not entirely, under this form of decoc-
tion, that the elm bark has been employed for combating those
cutaneous eruptions, against which it has of late been so highly
celebrated. Experience however, in actual practice, by no means
confirms the very favourable account which some have given of
its use.
DELPHINIUM STAPHISAGRIA.
Staphisagria. Semen. L. D.
Stavcsacre. The seed.
Willd. g. 1061. sp. 13. Polyandria Trigynia. — Nat. ord. Md-
tisiliqxice.
Stavesacre is a biennial plant, a native of the south of Eu-
rope. The seeds are usually brought from Italy. They are large
and rough, of an irregular triangular figure, of a blackish colour
on the outside, and yellowish or whitish within; they have a disa-
greeable smell, and a very nauseous, bitterish, burning taste.
350 Materia Medica.
Neumann got from 480 parts, 45 alcoholic extract, besides 90
of fixed oil, which separated during the process, and afterwards
44 insipid watery, and inversely 95 watery, and then by alcohol
only one, besides 71 of oil.
Medical use, — Stavesacre was employed by the ancients as a
cathartic; but it operates with so much violence, both upwards
and downwards, that its internal use has been, among the gene-
rality of practitioners, for some time laid aside. It is chiefly em-
ployed in external applications for some kinds of cutaneous erup-
tions, and for destroying lice and other insects; insomuch, that
from this virtue it has received its name, in different languages.
DIANTHUS CARYOPHYLLUS. Flores. Ed.
Caryophyllum Rubrum. L. D.
Clove Gilly -flower. The flowers.
Willd. g. 893.s,/>. 9. Decandria Digynia. — Nat.ord. Caryophyllece.
This species of dianthus is a native of Italy, and is perennial.
By cultivation, its varieties have increased to a very great num-
ber, and they form one of the greatest ornaments of our gardens.
Most of these are termed Carnations, but the variety which is
officinal surpasses all the others in the richness of its smell, and
is also distinguished by its colour, being of a uniform deep
crimson. Their only use in pharmacy is to give a pleasant flavour
and beautiful colour to an officinal syrup.
Officinal Preparation.
Syrupus dianthi caryophilli, E. L. - vide Syrupi.
DIGITALIS PURPUREA. Folia. Ed.
Digitalis. L. D.
Foxglove. The leaves.
JVilld. g. 1155. sp. 1. Didynamia Angiospermia. — Nat. ord. So-
lanace .
This is a biennial plant, very common on hedge -banks, and
sides of hills, in dry, gravelly, or sandy soils, and the beauty of
its appearance has gained it a place in our gardens and shrubbe-
D. — Digitalis Purpurea. 351
ries. The leaves are large, oblong, egg-shaped, soft, covered
with hairs, and serrated. They have a bitter, very nauseous
taste, with some acrimony.
Medical use, — Its effects when swallowed are,
1. To diminish the frequency of the pulse.
2. To diminish the irritability of the system.
3. To increase the action of the absorbents.
4. To increase the discharge by urine.
In excessive doses, it produces vomiting, purging, dimness or
sight, vertigo, delirium, hiccough, convulsions, collapse, death.
For these symptoms the best remedies are cordials and stimulants.
Internally, digitalis has been recommended,
1. In inflammatory diseases, from its very remarkable power
of diminishing the velocity of the circulation.
2. In active hemorrhagies, in phthisis.
3. In some spasmodic affections, as in spasmodic asthma, pal-
pitation, &c.
4. In mania from effusion on the brain.
5. In anasarcous and dropsical effusions.
6. In scrofidous tumours.
7. In aneurism of the aorta, it has alleviated the most dis-
tressing symptoms.
Externally, it has been applied to scrofulous tumours.
It may be exhibited,
1. In substance, either by itself, or conjoined with some aro-
matic, or made into pills with soap or gum ammoniac. Wither-
ing directs the leaves to be gathered after the flowering stem
has shot up, and about the time when the blossoms are coming
forth. He rejects the leaf-stalk, and middle rib of the leaves,
and dries the remaining part e'uh.r in the sunshine or before the
fire. In this state they are easily reduced to a beautiful green
powder, of which we may give at first one grain twice a-day,
and gradually increase the dose until it act upon the kidneys,
stomach, pulse, and bowels, when its use must be laid aside
or suspended.
2. In infusion. The same author directs a drachm of the dried
leaves to be infused for four hours in eight ounces of boiling
water, and that there be added to the strained liquor an ounce
of any spiritous water, for its preservation. Half an ounce or
an ounce of this infusion may be given twice a-day.
352 Materia Medica.
3. In decoction. Darwin directs that four ounces of the fresh
leaves be boiled from two pounds of water to one, and half an
ounce of the strained decoction be taken every two hours, for
four or more doses.
4. In tincture. Put one ounce of the dried leaves coarsely
powdered into four ounces of diluted alcohol; let the mixture
stand by the fire-side twenty-four hours, frequently shaking the
bottle; and the saturated tincture, as Darwin calls it, must then
be separated from the residuum by straining or decantation.
Twenty drops of this tincture may be taken twice or thrice
a-day. The Edinburgh college use eight ounces of diluted alcohol
to one of the powder, but let it digest seven days.
5. The expressed juice and extract are not proper forms of
exhibiting this very active remedy.
When the digitalis is disposed to excite looseness, opium may
be advantageously conjoined with it; and when the bowels are
tardy, jalap may be given at the same time, without interfering
with its diuretic effects. During its operation in this way, the
patient should drink very freely.
In a letter from Dr. Gregg to Dr. Walmsley, published in
the Philadelphia Medical and Physical Journal, two cases of
phthisis are mentioned, in which this remedy induced a co-
pious ptyalism, which lasted some time, but without producing
any beneficial effect. In the second case, the ptyalism was a
second time induced by its use.
Officinal Preparations.
Infusum digitalis purpurea?, E. - - vide Infusa.
Tinctura digitalis purpurea?, E« - Tincture?.
DIOSPYROS VIRGINIANA,
Persimmon,
This has been found useful in intermittents. Dr. Barton has
used it in ulcerous sore throat. The ripe fruit is said to be useful
in the worm cases of negro and other children.*
* Barton's Collections, Part I. p. 11. Part II. p. 52. See also Professor
Woodbouse's Inaugural Dissertation on this subject.
D. — Dorstenia Contrajerva. 353
DIRCA PALUSTRIS. Lin.
Moose-wood. Leather -wood.
The bark of this plant is said to produce a blister. It is allied
to the genus daphne, all the species of which are blisters.*
DOLICHOS PRURIENS. Pules leguminis rigida. Ed.
Dolichos. Seta; leguminum. D.
Cow-itch, The stiff hairs which cover the pods.
Diadelphia Decandria — Nat. ord. Papilionacece.
The dolichos is a climbing plant growing in great abundance
in warm climates, particularly in the West Indies. The pods are
about four inches long, round, and as thick as a man's finger.
The outside of the pods is thickly beset with stiff brown hairs,
which, when applied to the skin, occasion a most intolerable
itching. The ripe pods are dipped in syrup, which is again
scraped off with the knife. When the syrup is rendered by
the hairs as thick as honey, it is fit for use. It acts mechanically
as an anthelmintic, occasions no uneasiness in the prima? viae,
which are defended by mucus, and may be safely taken, from
a tea-spoonful to a table-spoonful in the morning, fasting. The
worms are said to appear with the second or third dose; and by
means of a purge in some cases, the stools have consisted entirely
of worms.
DORSTENIA CONTRAJERVA. Radix. Ed.
CONTRAYERVA. L. D.
Contrayerva. The root.
Willd.g. 244. sp. 5. Tetrandria Monogynia. — Nat. ord. Scabridce.
This plant is perennial, and grows in South America, and
some of the Caribaean islands.
Barton's Collections.
2Y
$54 Materia Medic a.
The root is knotty, an inch or two long, and about half an inch
thick, of a reddish brown colour externally, and pale within: long,
rough, slender fibres shoot out from all sides of it; and are gene-
rally loaded with small round knots. It has a peculiar kind of
aromatic smell, and a somewhat astringent, warm, bitterish taste,
with a slight and sweetish kind of acrimony, when long chewed;
the fibres have little taste or smell; the tuberous part, therefore,
should be alone chosen.
This root contains so much mucilage, that a decoction of it
will not pass through the filter. Neumann got from 480 parts, 1 90
watery extract, and afterwards with alcohol 7, and inversely 102
alcoholic, and 60 watery. The tincture reddens infusion of lith-
mus, is precipitated by water, and has no effect on the salts of
iron.
Medical use. — Contrayerva is a gentle stimulant and diapho-
retic, and is sometimes given in exanthematous diseases, typhus,
and dysentery. Its dose is about half a drachm.
Officinal Preparation.
Pulvis contrayervae compositus, L. vide Pulveres.
DRACONTIUM PERTUSUM.
The leaves of this plant (which is a good deal allied to the
Arum triphvllum), are employed by the Indians of Demarara, in
a very singular manner, in the treatment of general dropsy. The
whole body of the patient is covered with the leaves. A univer-
sal sweat, or rather vesication, is induced, and the patient often
recovers.*
* Barton's Collections, Part I. p. 21.
E.— Electuary. 35#
E
£LECTUARIA 8c CONFECTIONES.
ELECTUARIES AND CONFECTIONS.
Electuaries are composed chiefly of powders mixed up with
syrups, &c. into such a consistence, that the powders may not se-
parate in keeping, that a dose may be easily taken up on the point
of a knife, and not prove too stiff to swallow.
Electuaries receive chiefly the milder alterative medicines, and
such as are not ungrateful to the palate. The more powerful
drugs, as cathartics, emetics, opiates, and the like, (except in offi-
cinal electuaries to be dispensed by weight,) are seldom trusted
in this form, on account of the uncertainty of the dose: disgustful
ones, acrids, bitters, fetids, cannot be conveniently taken in it;
nor is the form of an electuary well fitted for the more ponderous
substances, as mercurials, these being apt to subside on keeping,
unless the composition be made very stiff.
The lighter powders require thrice their weight of honey, or
syrup boiled to the thickness of honey, to make them into the
consistence of an electuary: of syrups of the common consistence,
twice the weight of the powder is sufficient.
Where the common syrups are employed, it is necessary to add
likewise a little conserve, to prevent the compound from candying
and drying too soon. Electuaries of Peruvian bark, for instance,
made up with syrup alone, will often in a day or two grow too
dry for taking.
This is owing to the crystallization of the sugar. Deveux,
therefore, advises electuaries, confections, and conserves, to be
made up with syrups from which all the crystallizable parts have
been separated. For this purpose, after being sufficiently evapo-
rated, they are to be exposed to the heat of a stove as long as
tjhey form any crystals. The syrup which remains, probably from
the presence of some vegetable acid, has no tendency to crystal-
lize, and is to be decanted and evaporated to a proper consistence.
In hospital practice, the same object may be obtained much more
easily by using molasses instead of syrups.
The quantity of an electuary, directed at a time, in extempora-
neons prescription, varies much according to its constituent parts-,
but is rarely less than the size of a nutmeg, or more than two or
three ounces.
356 Materia Medica.
ELECTUARIUM AROMATICUM. Ed. D.
CoNFECTIO AROMATICA. L.
Aromatic Electuary. Aromatic Confection.
Take of
Aromatic powder, one part;
Syrup of orange-peel, two parts.
Mix and beat them well together, so as to form an electuary. (E.)
This simple compound serves all the purposes of a cordial, or
as a vehicle for more active substances, as well as the complicated
formulae of the London and Dublin colleges. It is given in form
of a bolus, in doses of from 5 grains to 20 and upwards.
ELECTUARIUM CASSLE FISTULA. Ed.
Electuarium Cassia. L. D.
Electuary of Cassia.
Take of
Pulp of cassia hstularis, six ounces;
Pulp of tamarinds,
Manna, each an ounce and a half;
Syrup of pale roses, six ounces.
Having beat the manna in a mortar, dissolve it with a gentle heat,
in the syrup; then add the pulps, and evaporate them with a
regularly continued heat to the consistence of an electuary. (E.)
This composition is a very convenient officinal, to serve as a
basis for purgative electuaries and other similar purposes. The
tamarinds give it a pleasant taste, and do not subject it, as might
be expected, to turn sour. After standing for four months, the
composition has been found no sourer than when first made.
This electuary, likewise, is usefully taken by itself, to the quan-
tity of two or three drachms occasionally, for gently loosening
the belly in costive habits.
ELECTUARIUM CASSLE SENNiE; olim, Electuarium
Lenitivum. Ed.
Electuarium Senn^.'L. D.
Electuary of Senna, commonly called Lenitive Electuary.
E.— Electuaria. 357
Take of
Senna leaves, in very fine powder, four ounces;
Pulp of French prunes, one pound;
tamarinds, two ounces;
Molasses, a pound and a half;
Essential oil of caraway, two drachms.
Boil che pulps in the syrup to the thickness of honey; then add
the powders, and, when the mixture is cooled, add the oil; then
beat them all well together, so as to form an electuary. (D.)
This electuary is a very convenient laxative, and has long been
in common use among practitioners. Taken to the size of a nut-
meg or more, as occasion may require, it is an excellent laxative
for loosening the belly in costive habits.
ELECTUARIUM CATECHU; olim, Confectio Japoni-
CA. E.
Electuary of Catechu, formerly Japonic Confection,
Electuarium Catechu Compositum; olim, Coneectio Ja-
ponica. D.
Compound Electuary of Catechu, formerly Japonic Confection.
Take of
Extract of mimosa catechu, four ounces;
Kino, three ounces;
Cinnamon,
Nutmeg, each one ounce;
Opium, diffused in a sufficient quantity of Spanish white wine,
one drachm and a half;
Syrup of red roses, boiled to the consistence of honey, two
pounds and a quarter.
Reduce the solids to powder; and having mixed them with the
opium and syrup, make them into an electuary. (L.)
This electuary is an extremely useful astringent medicine,
and is often given in doses of a tea-spoonful, frequently repeated,
in cases of diarrhoea, &c. Ten scruples contain one grain of
opium.
ELECTUARIUM SCAMMONII. L. D.
Electuary ofScammony,
Take of
Scammony, in powder, one ounce and a half;
Cloves,
S 5& Materia Medica.
Ginger, of each six drachms;
Essential oil of caraway, half a drachm;
Syrup of roses, as much as is sufficient.
Mix the spices, powdered together, with the syrup; then add the
scammony, and lastly, the oil of caraway. (L.)
This electuary is a warm brisk purgative. A drachm and a
*half contain fifteen grains of scammony.
ELECTUARIUM OPIATUM; olim, Electuarium Tate?
BAICUM. Ed. .
Opiate Electuary, commonly called Thebaic Electuary.
CONFECTIO OPIATA. L.
Confection of Opium.
Take of
Aromatic powder, six ounces;
Virginian snake root, in fine powder, three ounces;
Opium diffused in a sufficient quantity of Spanish white wine,,
half an ounce;
Syrup of ginger, one pound.
Mix them, and form an electuary. (E.)
The action which this electuary will produce on the living
system, is abundantly apparent from the nature of the ingredients.
They are combinations of aromatics with opium; one grain of
opium being contained in forty-three of the Edinburgh electuary.
EMPLASTRA, - - Vide Unguenta.
EMULSIONES, - - fide Mixture*.
ERIGERON PHILADELPHICUM.
Philadelphia Flea-bane.
This is one of the most common plants in many parts of the
United States. It has been used in dejeoction or infusion in Phi-
ladelphia, for gouty and gravelly complaints, and in some in-
stances with much benefit. It operates powerfully as a diuretic
and sudorific. It is known by the name of Skevish in Penn-
E. — Eugenia Caryophyllata. 359
srlvania, which Dr. Barton suspects to be a corruption of the
word Scabious. This plant is employed by the Cochin-Chinese,
according to Father Lureiro; who speaks of it as an active
emmenagogue.*
ERYNGIUM AQUATICUM.
Water-Eryngo.
This plant is nearly allied to the contrayerva of the shops,
and acts more especially as a sudorific. It is used in decoction by
the southern Indians."
ERYNGIUM MARITIMUM. Eryngium. Radix. L. D.
Eryngo. The root,
Willd. g. 518. sp. 6. — Pentandria Monogynia. — Nat. ord. Urn-
bellatce.
This plant grows plentifully on some of the sandy and gravelly-
shores of Great Britain: the roots are slender, and very long; of
a pleasant sweetish taste, which, on chewing them for some time,
is followed by a slight degree of aromatic warmth and acrimony.
They are accounted aperient and diuretic, and have also been
celebrated as aphrodisiac: their virtues, however, are too weak
to admit them under the head of medicines.
EUGENIA CARYOPHYLLATA. Caryophyllus Aroma-
tic us. Floris germen, et oleum ejus volatile. Ed.
Caryophylla Aromatica, et oleum eorundum essentialc. D.
Caryophyllus Aromatica. Perkarpium immaturum, et oleum
ejus essentiale. L.
The clove tree. The fower-bud and its essential oil.
Willd. g. 972. sp. 24. — Icosandria Monogynia. — Nat. ord. Hes-
peridece.
D.
Kruidnagelen, Geroffles.
P.
Cravos da Jndia^ Cravos
DA.
Nelliker, KrydeneUiker.
girofes.
F.
Cloux de Girojle.
R.
Gii'osdika.
G.
Gewiirznelken.
S.
Clavos de Esfietia, C/c-
I.
Chiovi di Garofano^ Ga-
villos.
rofani, Garojfoli.
sw.
Kryddeneglikor.
POL
. Gozdziki kramne.
Barton's Collections, Part I J. p. 46. f Barton's Collections, Part I. p. 20.
360 Materia Medica.
This is a beautiful tall tree, a native of the Molucca islands.
The Dutch, from the desire of monopolizing the valuable spice
produced by it, destroyed all the trees except in Amboyna, where
it is carefully cultivated. But their scheme has been frustrated,
and the clove is. now thriving in the Isle of France and other
places. Every part of this tree is highly aromatic, but especially
the leaf-stalk. Cloves are the flower-buds, which are gathered
in October and November, before they open, and when they are
still green, and which are exposed to smoke for some days, and
then dried in the sun.
Cloves have somewhat the form of a nail, consisting of a glo-
bular head, formed of the four petals of the corolla, and four
leaves of the calyx not yet expanded; but this part is often want-
ing, being easily broken off"; and a germen situated below, nearly
round, but somewhat narrower towards the bottom; scarcely an
inch in length, and covered with another thicker calyx, divided
above into four parts. Their colour should be of a deep brown,
their smell strong, peculiar, and grateful; their taste acrid, aro-
matic, and permanent. The best cloves are also large, heavy,
brittle, and when pressed with the nail, exude a little oil. When
light, soft, wrinkled, dirty, pale, and without smell or taste, they
are to be rejected.
The Dutch from whom we have this spice, frequently mix it
with cloves from which the oil has been distilled. These, though
in time they regain from the others a considerable share both of
taste and smell, are easily distinguishable by their weaker flavour
and lighter colour.
Cloves yield by distillation with water about one-seventh of
their weight of volatile oil; 960 parts also gave to Neumann 380
of a nauseous, somewhat astringent, watery extract. The same
quantity gave only 300 of excessively fiery alcoholic extract.
When the alcoholic extract is freed from the volatile oil by dis-
tillation with water, the oil that arises proves mild, and the resin
that remains insipid. Its pungency therefore seems to depend on
the combination of these principles. The Dutch oil of cloves is
extremely hot and fiery, and of a reddish brown colour, but it is
greatly adulterated, both with fixed oils and resin of cloves; for
the genuine oil when recently distilled, is comparatively quite
mild, and colourless, although it gradually acquires a yellow
colour. It is heavier than water, and rises in distillation with
some difficulty, so that it is proper to use a very low-headechstill,
and to return the distilled water several times upon the residuum.
Medical use. — Cloves, considered as medicines, are very hot
stimulating aromatics, and possess in an eminent degree the
general virtues of substances of this class.
E.— Extracta. 361
Officinal Preparations.
Spiritus lavendulse compositus, E. L. D. vide Tinctures.
ammoniae compositus, L. Tinctures ammoniat.
Confectio aromatica, L. Electuaria.
Electuarium scamonii, L. D. Idem.
Pilulae aloes cum colocynthide, E. Pilules.
EUPATORIUM PERFOLIATUM.
This plant is known by the name of Thorough-stem, Cross-
wort, Bone-set, and Indian sage. It is one of the remedies of the
Indians; and acts powerfully as a sudorific and emetic, and has
been successfully employed in intermittents and other fevers,
either in decoction or the leaves in powder. The aya pana, so
celebrated of late, is a species of the same familv. Every part of
the eupatorium may be advantageously employed, though the
flowers appear most active. A watery infusion of the leaves is a
powerful and not disagreeable bitter, and the flowers are deemed
superior in this respect to those of the anthemis nobilis, by Dr.
Barton. *
EUPHORBIA IPECACUANHA.
Spurge.
This species of euphorbia grows spontaneously in various parts
of the United States. It is pretty common in the dry and sandy
soil of New Jersey, within a few miles of Philadelphia. This is
an extremely active plant, the root of which is employed as an
emetic by some of the country people. The dose is not known,
though Dr. Barton supposes it is small, as it belongs to the head
©f drastic emetics. f
EXTRACTA.— EXTRACTS.
Extract in pharmacy has long been used, in the common and
true acceptation of the term, to express a thing extracted, and
therefore it was applied to substances of all kinds which were
extracted from heterogeneous bodies, by the action of any men-
struum, and again reduced to a consistent form, by the evapora-
* Barton's Collections, Part I. p. 52. Part II. p. 22.
t Barton's Collections, Part I. p. 25.
2Z
362 Materia Medica.
-tion of that menstruum. Lately, however, extract has been used
in a different and much more limited sense, as the name for a pe-
culiar principle, which is often indeed contained in extracts, and
which before had no proper appellation. It is in the former sense
that we employ it here, and in which we wish it to be only used,
while a new word should be invented as the name of the new
substance. Till a better be proposed, we shall call it extractive.
(See Aloes?)
Extracts are of various kinds, according to the nature of the
substances from which they are obtained, and the menstruum
employed; but they commonly consist of gum, sugar, extractive,
tannin, gallic acid, or resin, or several of them mixed in various
proportions. The menstrua most commonly employed are water
and alcohol. The former is capable of extracting all the substan-
ces enumerated, except the resin, and the latter all except the
gum. Wine is also sometimes employed, but very improperly;
for as a solvent it can only act as a mixture of alcohol and water,
and the principles which it leaves behind on evaporation are ra-
ther injurious than of advantage to the extract.
Water is the menstruum most economically employed in mak-
ing extracts, as it is capable of dissolving all the active principles
except resin, and can have its solvent powers assisted by a con-
siderable degree of heat.
Watery extracts are prepared by boiling the subject in water,
and evaporating the strained decoction to a thick consistence.
It is indifferent, with regard to the medicine, whether the sub-
ject be used fresh or dry; since nothing that can be preserved
in this process will be lost by drying. With regard to the facility
of extraction, there is a very considerable difference; vegetables
in general giving out their virtues more readily when moderately
dried than when fresh.
Very compact dry substances should be reduced into exceed-
ingly small parts, previous to the affusion of the menstruum.
The quantity of water ought to be no greater than is necessa-
ry for extracting the virtues of the subject. This point, however,
is not very easily ascertained; for although some of the common
principles of extracts be soluble in a very small proportion of
water, there are others, such as the tannin, of which water can
dissolve only a certain proportion, and cannot be made to take up
more by any length of boiling; and we have no very good me-
thod of knowing when we have used a sufficient quantity of wa-
ter; for vegetable substances will continue to colour deeply suc-
cessive portions of water boiled with them, long after they are
yielding nothing to it but colouring matter. Perhaps one of the
best methods is to boil the subject in successive quantities of
water, as long as the decoctions form a considerable precipitate
with the test which is proper for detecting the substance we are
E.— Extracta. 363
extracting, such as a solution of gelatin for tannin, of alum for
extractive, &c.
" The decoctions are to be depurated by colature; and after-
u wards suffered to stand for a day or two, when a considerable
<c quantity of sediment is usually found at the bottom. If the
a liquor poured off clear be boiled down a little, and afterwards
" suffered to cool again, it will deposit a fresh sediment, from
" which it may be decanted before you proceed to finish the eva-
" poration. The decoctions of very resinous substances do not
" require this treatment, and are rather injured by it; the resin
" subsiding along with the inactive dregs."
Such were the directions given in the former editions of the
Edinburgh Dispensatorv for the depuration of the decoctions,
and we have inserted them at full length, because, although we
doubt very much of their propriety, our reasons for so doing are
scarcely more than hypothetical. We would advise the decoc-
tions to be evaporated after they have been filtered boiling hot,
without any further depuration; because some of the most active
principles of vegetable substances, such as tannin, are much more
soluble in boiling than in cold water, and because almost all of
them are very quickly affected by exposure to the atmosphere.
Therefore, if a boiling decoction, saturated with tannin, be al-
lowed to cool, the greatest part of the very principle on which the
activity of the substance depends will separate to the bottom, and
according to the above directions, will be thrown away as sedi-
ment. The same objection applies more strongly to allowing the
decoction to cool, and deposit a fresh sediment, after it has been
partially evaporated. Besides, by allowing the decoctions to stand
several days before we proceed to their evaporation, we are in
fact allowing the active principles contained in the decoction to be
altered by the action of the air, and to be converted into substan-
ces, perhaps inactive, which also are thrown away as sediment.
The evaporation is most conveniently performed in broad shal-
low vessels; the larger the surface of the liquor, the sooner will
the aqueous parts exhale. This effect may likewise be promoted
by agitation.
When the matter begins to grow thick, great care is necessary
to prevent its burning. This accident, almost unavoidable if the
quantity be large, and the fire applied as usual under the evapo-
rating pan, may be effectually prevented, by carrying on the in-
spissation, after the common manner, no farther than to the con-
sistence of a syrup, when the matter is to be poured into shallow
tin or earthen pans, and placed in an oven, with its door open,
moderately heated; which acting uniformly on every part of the
liquid, will soon reduce it to any degree of consistence required.
This may likewise be done, and more securely, by setting the
364 Materia Medica.
evaporating vessel in boiling water; but the evaporation is in this
way very tedious.
Alcohol is much too expensive to be employed as a menstruum
for obtaining extracts, except in those cases where water is to-
tally inadequate to the purpose. These cases are,
1st, When the nature of the extract is very perishable when
dissolved in water, so that it is liable to be decomposed before the
evaporation can be completed, especially if we cannot proceed
immediately to the evaporation.
2dly, When water is totally incapable of dissolving the sub-
stance to be extracted; and,
3dly, When the substance extracted can bear the heat of boil-
ing alcohol without being evaporated, but would be dissipated by
that of boiling wTater; that is, when it requires a heat greater than
176°, and less than 212°, for its vaporization.
In the last case, the alcohol must be perfectly free from water,
because the heat necessary to evaporate it at the end of the pro-
cess would frustrate the whole operation. Hence, also, the sub-
ject itself ought always to be dry: those substances which lose
their virtue by drying, lose it equally on being submitted to this
treatment with the purest alcohol.
In this way the alcoholic extract of some aromatic substances,
as cinnamon, lavender, rosemary, retain a considerable degree of
their fine flavour.
In the second case, the alcohol need not be so very strong, be-
cause it is still capable of dissolving resinous substances, although
diluted with a considerable proportion of water.
In the first case, the alcohol may be still much weaker; or ra-
ther, the addition of a small proportion of alcohol to water will
be sufficient to retard or prevent the decomposition of the de-
coction.
The alcohol employed in all these cases should be perfectly
free from any unpleasant flavour, lest it be communicated to the
extract.
The inspissation should be performed from the beginning, in
the gentle heat of a water-bath. We need not suffer the alcohol
to evaporate in the air: the greatest part of it may be recovered
by collecting the vapour in common distilling vessels. If the dis-
tilled spirit be found to have brought over any flavour from the
subject, it may be advantageously reserved for the same purpo-
ses again.
When diluted alcohol is employed, the distillation should only
be continued as long as alcohol comes over; and the evaporation
should be finished in wide open vessels.
We have here also included the processes intended for purify-
ing inspissated juices and resinous substances. (
Pure resins are prepared, by adding to spiritous tinctures of
E — Extracta. 365
resinous vegetables, a large quantity of water. The resin, inca-
pable of remaining dissolved in the watery liquor, separates and
falls to the bottom; leaving in the menstruum such other princi-
ples ol the plant as the spirit might have extracted at first along
with it. But this is only practised for the purpose of analysis.
Extracts made with Water only
EXTRACTUM GENTIANiE LUTEjE. Ed.
Extractum Gentians. L. D.
Extract of Gentian,
Take of
Gentian root, any quantity.
Having cut and bruised it, p'>ur upon it eight times its quantity of
waiter. Boil to the consumption of one half of the liquor, and
strain it by strong expression. Evaporate the decoction imme-
diately to the consistence of thick honey, in a bath of water sa-
turated with muriate of soda. (E.)
Officinal Preparations.
Piluke aloeticae, D. L. vide Pilules.
stibii composite, D. -------- Idem.
Pulvis aloeticus cum ferro, L. Pulveres.
In the same manner are prepared
Extractum Glycyrrhizc glabrae, Ed. ~) Extract of the roots of Li-
Glycyrrhizce, L. D. J quorice.
Hellebori nigri, Ed. L. D. of the roots of black
Hellebore.
Rutce graveolentis, Ed. \ of the leaves of
Rutce, L. D. J Rue.
Anthemidis nobilis,Ed.l of the flowers of
Chamcemeli, L. D. Chamomile.
Papaveris albi, Ed. L. of the heads of
white Poppy.
Hcematoxyli Campechensis, Ed. 7 r t i
Htmatoxyli^L. D. J ° °g>V00
Cassice Senna, Ed. L. D. of the leaves of
Senna.
366 Materia Medica.
Extraction Cacuminis Genista, L. Extract of Broom tops.
Aloes, D. of Aloes.
Jalapce, D. of Jalap.
§>uetcus, D. of Oak bark.
Sabinaz, L. D. of Savin.
Officinal Preparation.
Tinctura sabinae composita, L. - - - - vide Tincturcc.
EXTRACTUM CINCHONA, sive CORTICIS PERU-
VIANI. L.
Extract of Cinchona, or Peruvian Bark.
EXTRACTUM CORTICIS PeRUVIANI DURUM, & MOLLE. D.
Hard and Soft Extract of Peruvian Bark.
Take of
Peruvian bark, in coarse powder, one pound;
Distilled water, twelve pints.
Boil for an hour or two, and pour off the liquor, which, while hot,
will be red and pellucid, but, as it grows cold, will become
yellow and turbid. The same quantity of water being again
poured on, boil the bark as before, and repeat the boiling until
the liquor, on becoming cold, remains clear. Then reduce all
these liquors, mixed together and strained, to a proper thick-
ness, by evaporation.
This extract must be prepared under two forms; one soft, and fit
for making pills; the other hard and pulverizable. (E.)
EXTRACTUM OPII. D.
Extract of Opium*
Take of
Purified opium, two ounces;
Boiling water, one pound.
Melt the opium in the water, and to the liquor strained, while it
is warm add one pound of cold distilled water. Expose this
liquor for two days to the air, filter it again, and, lastly, eva-
porate it to the consistence of an extract over a very gentle
fire. (D.)
E.— Extracta. 367
Extracts made with Alcohol and Water.
EXTRACTUM CINCHONA OFFICINALIS. Ed.
Extract of Cinchona,
EXTRACTUM CORTICIS PeRUVIANI CUM ReSINA. L.
Extract of Peruvian Bark with Resin.
EXTRACTUM CORTICIS PeRUVIANI RUBRI ResINOSUM. D.
Resinous Extract of Red Peruvian Bark.
Take of
Cinchona bark, in powder, one pound;
Alcohol, four pounds.
Digest for four days, and pour off the tincture.
Boil the residuum in five pounds of distilled water for fifteen mi-
nutes, and filter the decoction boiling hot through linen. Re-
peat this decoction and filtration with an equal quantity of dis-
tilled water, and reduce the liquor by evaporation to the con-
sistence of thin honey. Draw off the alcohol from the tincture
by distillation, until it also become thick; then mix the liquors,
thus inspissated, and evaporate them in a bath of boiling water,
saturated with muriate of soda, to a proper consistency. (E.)
In the same way are prepared
EXTRACTUM CASCARILLjE. L.
Extract of Cascarilla.
Extractum Cascarill.£ Resinosum. D,
Resinous Extract of Cascarilla.
EXTRACTUM RADICIS CONVOLVUEI JALAPiE.£</.
Extractum Jalapii. L.
Extract of Jalap.
EXTRACTUM VALERIANA SYLVESTRIS RESINO-
SUM. D.
Resinous Extract of Wild Valerian,
368 Materia Medica.
EXTRACTUM COLOCYNTHIDIS COMPOSITUM. L,
Compound Extract of Coloquintida*
Take of
Pith of coloquintida, cut small, six drachms;
Socotorine aloes, powdered, an ounce and a half;
Scammony, powdered, half an ounce;
Smaller cardamom seeds, husked and powdered, one drachm;
Proof spirit, one pint.
Digest the coloquintida in the spirit, with a gentle heat, during
four days. To the expressed tincture add the aloes and scam-
mony; when these are dissolved, draw off the spirit by distilla-
tion, and evaporate the water, adding the seeds towards the
end of the process, so as to form an extract fit for making into
pills. (L.)
OPIUM PURIFICATUM. L. D.
Purified Opium,
Take of
Opium, cut into small pieces, one pound;
Proof spirit of wine, twelve pints.
Digest the opium with a gentle heat, stirring now and then till it
be dissolved, and filter through paper. Distil the tincture, so
prepared, to a proper thickness.
Purified opium must be kept in two forms: one soft, proper for
forming into pill; the other hard, which may be reduced into
powTder. (L.)
The chapter on extracts and resins in the London Pharmaco-
poeia is concluded with the two following general directions:
1. All the extracts, during the time of inspissation, must be
gently agitated.
2. On all the softer watery extracts, a small quantity of spirit
of wine must be sprinkled.
All these extracts are supposed to contain the virtues of the
substances from which they are prepared, in a very pure and con-
centrated form: but this supposition is, probably in several in-
stances, erroneous; and the directions for preparing them are
frequently injudicous and uneconomical.
As the changes which opium and aloes undergo by solution,
and subsequent evaporation, have never been ascertained by care-
ful and satisfactory experiments, well selected pieces of these
substances are to be preferred to the preparations in which they
are supposed to be purified.
E.— Extracts 3&9
Cinchona bark is a medicine of very great importance; but
unfortunately the proportion of woody fibres, or inert matter,
which enter into its composition is so great, that weak stomachs
cannot bear it, when given in quantity sufficient to produce any
Very powerful effects* On this account, the preparation of an
extract, which may contain its active principles in a concentrated
form, becomes also an object of importance. On this subject
there is still much room for experiment. The London and Dub-
lin colleges, in their directions, certainly err in two important
particulars; in the first place, in desiring the decoction to be
continued until the greatest part of the menstruum is evaporau d;
and, in the second place, in separating by filtration the powder
which separates from the decoction after it has cooled. The first
error probably originated in the idea, that by continuing the
boiling for a great length of time, more of the bark wouid be
dissolved; but it is now known, that water is incapable of dis-
solving more than a certain quantity of the active principles of
bark: and that after the water has become saturated, by continu-
ing the decoction we diminish the quantity of the menstruum,
and therefore also diminish the quantity of bark dissolved. It is
not easy to account for the second error; for, according to the
old idea, that the powder which separated on cooling from a sa-
turated decoction of cinchona, was a resinous substance, it surely
ought not to have been rejected from what were supposed to be *
resinous extracts. This precipitate is now known to be caused
by the much greater solubility of its active principles in boiling,
than in cold, water; so that the precipitate is not different from
wrhat remains in solution. Accordingly Dr. Duncan has found
by experiment, that cinchona gave at least one half more extract
when the decoction was conducted according to the directions
of the Edinburgh college.
The real advantage of so expensive an agent as alcohol, in
preparing any of these extracts, has not been demonstrated; and,
if Dr. Duncan be not misinformed, it is seldom employed by
the apothecaries in preparing even what are called the Resinous
Extracts.
A
370 Materia Medica.
F.
FERRUM.— IRON.
D. Yzer. P. Ferro,
DA. Iern. POL. Zelazo.
F. ^Vr. R. Sheleso.
G, Eisen. S. Hi err o.
Ji Ferro. SW. Jmz.
Iron is of a bluish-grey colour; texture either fine-grained,
fibrous or dense plates; sapid and odorus; specific gravity 7.600;
the hardest and most elastic and most tenacious metal; very duc-
tile; fusing at 158° Wedgewood, fusion at first clammy, after-
wards very fluid; igniting by strong percussion, and inflaming by
the collision of flint; magnetic. It is oxidized slowly in the air,
especially when moist; when heated in contact with air, it is
changed to a black oxide, containing 20 to 27 of oxygen; fusible,
hard, brittle, lamellated, still attracted by the magnet; afterwards
into a brown, red, fine, pulverulent oxide, not attracted by the
magnet, containing 0.40 to .49 of oxygen. It burns with splen-
dour and deflagration in oxygen gas, and is converted into a
fused, black oxide; it decomposes water slowly, and when ignit-
ed, very rapidly. In some instances it is dissolved in hydrogen
gas. Carbon united to iron, converts it into steel.
Steel is of a grey colour, brilliant and granular in its frac-
ture; specific gravity 7.795; harder than any of the metals, and
more elastic, ductile, malleable, and fusible at a lower tempera-
ture than pure iron. Its characteristic property is, that after being
heated, if suddenly plunged into cold water, it becomes harder,
more elastic, less pliable and brittle; but by being again heated
and cooled slowly, it acquires its former softness, pliability and
ductility. Steel contains only some hundredth parts of carbon,
and is known chemically, by letting a drop of acid fall upon it,
which produces a grey or black spot.
Plumbago consists of about 0.1 of iron, combined with carbon in
its first degree of oxidizement. The phosphuret of iron is white,
granulated, brittle, permanent in the air. Its sulphuret is yellow,
hard, brittle, and very fusible, oxidizing slowly in a humid at-
mosphere. Iron forms alloys with arsenic, cobalt, manganese,
bismuth, antimony, zinc, and tin. Iron is oxidized and dissolved
by almost all the acids; oxides, black, brown, red. It gives glasses
a brown, smoky, deep green, or black colour.
F.— Ferrum. 371
Iron is the most common of all metals. It seems even to be a
constituent of organic substances, and is the only metal which
when taken into the body, exerts no deleterious action upon it.
The numerous ores of it which are found in every part of the
globe, may be reduced to the following genera.
1. Native iron. Immense isolated masses of this have been
found in Siberia and in South America. Their origin is still per-
fectly problematical.
2. Carburetted iron. Plumbago.
3. Sulphuretted iron. Pyrites.
4. Oxidized iron.
a. Protoxide. Magnetic iron ore; colour black or grey.
b. Peroxide. Not magnetic; colour red or brown.
c. Carbonated.
d. Arseniated.
e. Tungstated.
As its mechanical division is extremely difficult, it is directed
to be kept in the shops in the state of filings or wire, and the scales
of black oxide, which are found around the smith's anvil. Soft
malleable iron is the only kind fit for internal use, as steel and
cast iron always contain impurities, and often arsenic.
Medical use* — The general virtues of this metal, and the seve-
ral preparations of it, are, to constringe the fibres, to quicken the
circulation, to promote the deficient secretions, in the remoter
parts, and at the same time to repress inordinate discharges into
the intestinal tube. After the use of them, if they take effect, the
pulse is very sensibly raised; the colour of the face, though before
pale, changes to a florid red; the alvine, urinary, and cuticular ex-
cretions are increased. Fetid eructations, and the faeces voided of
a black colour, are marks of their taking due effect.
When given improperly or to excess, iron produces headach,
anxiety, heats the body, and often causes hemorrhagies, or even
vomiting, pains in the stomach, and spasms and pains of the
bowels.
Iron is given in most cases of debility and relaxation,
1. In passive hemorrhagies.
2. In dyspepsia, hysteria, and chlorosis.
3. In most of the cachexia?.
4. In general debility produced by disease, or excessive he-
morrhage.
Where either a preternatural discharge, or suppression of na-
tural secretions, proceed from a languor and sluggishness of the
372 Materia Medica.
-fluids, and weakness of the solids; this metal, by increasing the
motion of the former, and the strength of the latter, will suppress
the flux, or remove the suppression; but where the circulation is
already too quick, the solids too tense and rigid, where there is any
stricture or spasmodic contraction of the vessels, iron, and all
the preparations of it, will aggravate both distempers.
Iron is prescribed,
I. In its metallic state. Llmatura Jerri.
II. Oxidized.
a. Protoxide. Squamae ferri. Ferri oxidum nigrum*
1. Super-carbonated, as in the chalybeate mineral wa-
ters.
2. Sulphated. Sulphas ferri.
3. Combined with tartrate of potass. Tartris ferri et
pot as see.
b. Peroxide. Ferri oxidum rubrum.
1. Carbonated. Carbonas ferri.
2. Muriated. Murias ferri ferrugineus.
3. Combined with muriate of ammonia. Murias ammo-
nice et ferri.
FERRI LIMATURiE. Ed.
Ferrum. L. Ferrum in fila deductum. D.
Iron-flings. Iron. Iron wire.
Iron probably has no action on the body when taken into the
stomach, unless it be oxidized. But during its oxidizement, hy-
drogen gas is evolved; and accordingly we find that fetid eructa-
tions are considered as a proof of the medicine having taken effect.
It can only be exhibited internally in the state of filings, which
may be given in doses of from five to twenty grains, either in the
form of powder, with some aromatic, or made into an electuary
or bolus or pills with any bitter extract. Iron-wire is to be pre-
ferred for pharmaceutical preparations, both because it is the most
convenient form, and because it is always made of the purest
iron.
Officinal Preparations.
Ferri limatura purificata, E.
Carbonas ferri, E. L. D.
Aqua ferri aerati, D.
Sulphas ferri, E. L. D.
F.— Ferrum.— Sulphas Ferri. 373
Tinctura fern muriati, D. - - - vide Tinctures.
Ferrum ammoniacuk, L.
Ferrum tartarisatum, L.
Vinum ferri, L. D. - - - - Vina medicata.
Hydrargyrum purificatum, E. L. - - Hydrargyrum.
FERRI OXIDUM NIGRU tf. Ferri Sojjam,*:. Ed.
The scales of Iron.
When iron is heated to redness in the smith's forge, to render
it more malleable, its surface becomes oxidized by the action oi
the atmospheric air; and as the oxide formed does not adhere to
the iron, it is easily separated by percussion on the anvil, and flies
off in the state of sparks, which, on cooling, constitute the scales
of iron. In these the iron is oxidized to that degree in which it
is soluble in acids, without the production of hydrogen gas; there-
fore, when taken into the stomach, they do not produce the dis-
tention and flatulence occasioned by the use of the filings.
Officinal Preparations.
Ferri oxidum nigrum purificatum, E.
Tinctura muriatis ferri, E. - - vide Tinctura.
SULPHAS FERRI. Ed.
Ferrum Vitriolatum; olim, Sal Martis. L. D.
Sulphate of iron. Green vitriol. Copperas. Vitriolated Iro?i, for
merly Salt of Steel.
D.
Groene vitriooly Yzervi-
P Ca/iarroza verde.
triool.
POL. Koficrwas z zelazq.
DA.
Gront kobbcrivand.
R. Seleiiui kufiaros.
F
Coufierose verte.
S. Vitriolo de Marte.
G.
Kupferivasser, Eisenvi-
SW. Gron Vic trio I, Jernvi
triol.
triol.
I.
Co/i/iarosa verde.
The sulphate of iron of commerce is commonly obtained by
the spontaneous oxidizement of sulphuretted iron, and subsequent
lixiviation and crystallization. It is never pure, and often con-
tains zinc or copper. The copper may be separated by adding
some metallic iron to the solution, but we have no means of se-
parating the zinc.
Although the native sulphate of iron may be purified by solu-
'374 Materia Medica.
tion, filtration and crystallization, sufficiently, for many purposes,
yet it cannot be procured perfectly pure except by the direct union
of sulphuric acid and iron; and as it is of consequence that it
should be pure when administered internally, directions for its
preparation have been given by all the colleges. The differences
which may be observed in the proportions of the materials em-
ployed, is of little consequence, as sulphuric acid and iron unite
only in one proportion. The following is the formula of the Edin-
burgh college.
Take of
Purified filings of iron, six ounces;
Sulphuric acid, eight ounces;
Water, two pounds and a half.
Mix them, and after the effervescence ceases, digest the mixture
for some time upon warm sand; then strain the liquor through
paper, and after due evaporation set it at rest to crystallize. (E.)
Iron scarcely acts upon sulphuric acid, unless assisted by heat.
It then becomes oxidized, by abstracting oxygen from a portion
of the acid, and converting it into sulphureous acid gas or sulphur,
and combines with the remainder of the acid. But it acts with
great rapidity on diluted sulphuric acid; in which case it is not
oxidized at the expense of the acid itself, but by decomposing the
water, and therefore the hydrogen of the water is separated in the
form of gas. The action of the acid and iron upon each other
often ceases before the acid is nearly saturated, and may be re-
newed by the addition of a little water. The reason is, that all
the water which was not decomposed is employed to dissolve the
sulphate of iron formed.
The crystals of sulphate of iron are transparent rhomboidal
prisms, of a fine green colour. They are soluble in two parts of
cold, and in less than their own weight of boiling water. They
are insoluble in alcohol.
They are composed of
Black oxide of iron, 28 ") _- ,, , , . , r.
XXT . r >y 0 y 36 Green hydro-oxide of iron.
Water of composition, 8 J J
26 Sulphuric acid.
38 Water of crystallization.
100
Green sulphate of iron is decomposed by all the earths and al-
kalies, and by those salts whose base forms an insoluble com-
pound with sulphuric acid. It is also decomposed by exposure to
F. — Ferrum. — Ferri Lim. Purificatae. 375
the air, especially when in solution, and by all substances which
part readily with their oxygen. The oxide of iron absorbs oxy-
gen, and passes to the state of red oxide, which forms a red sul-
phate, possessing properties very different from those of the
green sulphate.
Taken into the stomach, the green sulphate is apt to excite pain
in the stomach, and spasms in the bowels; and in large doses it
causes vomiting. In small doses, however, of from one to three
grains, it is sometimes given as a tonic, astringent, or anthel-
mintic.
Officinal Preparations.
Acidum acetosum forte, E. - vide Acidum acetosum,
Carbonas ferri pnecipitatus, E.
Tinctura ferri acetati, D. - - Tinctures,
Pulvis aloeticus cum ferro, L. - - Pulveres.
SULPHAS FERRI EXSICCATUS. Ed.
Dried Sulphate of Iron.
Take of
Sulphate of iron, any quantity.
Expose it to the action of a moderate heat in an unglazed earthen
vessel, until it become white and perfectly dry. (E.)
The heat applied here must not be so great as to decompose
the sulphate of iron, but only to deprive it of its water of crystal-
lization.
FERRI LIMATURiE PURIFICATiE. Ed.
Purified Filings of Iron.
Place a seive over the filings, and apply a magnet, so that the
filings may be attracted upwards through the seive. (E.)
This process does not fulfil the purpose for which it is intend-
ed. For the adhesion of a very small particle of iron renders brass
and other metals attractable by the magnet. The filings of iron
got from the shops of different artificers, which are always mixed
with solder, and other metals, cannot be purified in this way, so
as to render them fit for internal use; and indeed the only way
they can be obtained sufficiently pure, is by filing a piece of pure
iron with a clean file.
Officinal Preparation.
Hydro-sulphuretum ammonia, E. - vide Ammonia.
376 Materia Medica.
FERRI OXIDUM NIGRUM PURIFICATUM,
Olim, Ferri SojJAMyE PuRincATiE. Ed.
Purified Black Oxide of Iron, formerly Purified Scales of Iron.
Let the scales of the oxide of iron, which are to be found at the
foot of the blacksmith's anvil, be purified by the application of a
magnet. For the magnet will attract only the smaller and purer
scales, and will leave those which are larger and less pure. 'E.)
Here the application of the magnet is useful, because these
scales contain no foreign metal, but are mixed with earthy and
other impurities, which could be separated in no other way,
CARBONAS FERRI. Ed.
Carbonate of Iron.
Ferri Rubigo. L. D.
Rust of Iron.
Moisten purified filings of iron frequently with water, that they
may be converted into rust, which is to be ground into an
impalpable powder. (E.)
Iron is one of the most easily oxidized of the metals. It is
capable of attracting oxygen from the air, and of decomposing
water even in the cold. By exposure at the same time to air
and moisture, it is very quickly oxidized, while it also absorbs
carbonic acid, and is converted into a reddish brown pulveru-
lent substance, well known by the name of rust of iron. For
medical use it is prepared as the other substances insoluble in
water. Apothecaries seldom make it themselves, but obtain it
from persons who manufacture it in large quantities.
Officinal Preparation.
Tinctura ferri muriati, L. - vide Tincture.
CARBONAS FERRI PRjECIPITATUS. Ed.
Precipitated Carbonate of Iron.
Take of
Sulphate of iron, four ounces,
Carbonate of soda, five ounces,
Water, ten pounds.
F. — Ferrum. — Oxidum Ferri Rubrum. 377
Dissolve the sulphate in the water, and add the carbonate of
soda, previously dissolved, in a sufficient quantity of water,
and mix them thoroughly.
Wash the carbonate of iron, which is precipitated, with warm
water, and afterwards dry it. (E.)
On mixing the solutions of these salts together, there is an im-
mediate mutual decomposition. Sulphate of soda is formed, which
remains in solution, and carbonate of iron, which is precipitated
of a green colour. The precipitate when first formed, is the car-
bonate of black oxide of iron, or contains the iron in the state of
black oxide, the state in which it exists in the green sulphate of
iron; but in the process of drying, it absorbs more oxygen, be-
comes of a red colour, and is converted into the carbonate of red
oxide of iron. As the precipitate is extremely light and bulky, it
is not easily separated by allowing it to subside, and pouring
off the clear liquor; filtration should therefore be employed. The
carbonate of soda is used in preference to the carbonate of potass,
on account of the greater solubility of sulphate of soda than of
sulphate of potass, which renders the subsequent ablution of the
salt more easy.
The carbonate of iron is an excellent and safe chalybeate. It
may be given in doses from five grains to sixty; but all cha-
lybeates answer better in small doses, frequently repeated, than
in large doses.
AQUA FERRI AERATI. D.
Water of Aerated Iron,
It is prepared in the same manner as the water of fixed air, by
suspending in the water half an ounce of iron wire. (D.)
This is a very elegant chalybeate. The iron is in the state of
black oxide, and is dissolved by means of carbonic acid. It was
first prepared by Bergmann, in imitation of the natural chalybeate
waters, and it forms an excellent substitute for them.
OXIDUM FERRI RUBRUM. Ed.
Red Oxide of Iron.
Expose dried sulphate of iron to an intense heat, until it is con-
verted into a very red matter. (E.)
By the violent heat applied in this preparation, the sulphate of
iron is completely decomposed, and copious white fumes are ex-
26
378 Materia Medica.
.pelled. The iron is converted into the red oxide; part of the sul-
phuric acid is therefore reduced to the state of sulphureous acid,
and the rest of the acid is expelled in a very concentrated state.
This process was formerly employed in Great Britain, and still is
employed in Germany, for the preparation of sulphuric acid;
which, however, from the presence of the sulphureous acid, was
possessed of some peculiar properties, such as emitting fumes and
crystallizing. The residuum is composed of red oxide of iron,
combined with a little red sulphate of iron, which renders it deli-
quescent. To obtain the oxide perfectly pure, the residuum must
therefore be washed with water, and dried quickly, to prevent the
absorption of carbonic acid.
Officinal Preparation.
Mtirias ammonia? & ferri, E.
MURIAS AMMONIjE ET FERRI; olim, Flores Mar-
TIALES. Ed.
Muriate of Ammonia and Iron; formerly Martial Flowers*
Ferrum Ammoniacale. L*
Ammoniacal Iron.
Take of
Red oxide of iron, washed and again dried;
Muriate of ammonia, equal weights;
Mix them thoroughly and sublime. (E.)
Although, at a low temperature ammonia decomposes the
muriate of iron, at a high temperature iron and its oxides de-
compose muriate of ammonia. But as muriate of ammonia is
itself a volatile salt, great part of it escapes undecomposed; so
that the product is a mixture of muriate of ammonia with red
muriate of iron. According to the formula of the Edinburgh
college, the decomposition is effected by simple affinity. As soon
as the oxide of iron acts on the muriate of ammonia, the ammo-
nia which is separated comes over: then as the heat increases,
undecomposed muriate of ammonia is sublimed; which, as the
process advances, is mixed with an increasing proportion of mu-
riate of iron. In the process of the London college, the decom-
position is more complex; and a considerable quantity of hydro-
gen gas is produced. Both colleges employ a much larger quanti-
ty of iron than is necessary. According to the German pharma-
ceutists, if the iron be equal to one sixteenth of the muriate of
ammonia, it is sufficient. The new Prussian Dispensatory di-
rects one ounce of iron to be dissolved in two ounces of muriatic
F. — Ferrum. — Ferrum Tartarisatum. 379
acid, and one of nitrous acid; this solution of red muriate of iron
to be mixed with a watery solution of twelve ounces of muriate
of ammonia, and the whole evaporated to dryness; and the dry
mass to be sublimed in a wide-necked retort, with a heat in-
creased to redness.
Whatever process be employed, the heat must be applied as
quickly as possible; and the sublimed product thoroughly mixed
by trituration, and kept in well-stopt glass vessels. It should have
a deep orange colour, and a smell resembling saffron, and should
deliquesce in the air.
This preparation is supposed to be highly aperient and attenu-
ating; though no otherwise so than the rest of the chalybeates, or
at most only by virtue of the saline matter joined to the iron. It
has been found of service in hysterical and hypochondriacal cases,
and in distempers proceeding from a laxity, and weakness of the
solids, as the rickets. From two or three grains to ten mav be
conveniently taken in the form of a bolus.
FERRUxM TARTARISATUM. L.
Tartarized Iron.
Tartarum Ferri. Dub.
Tartar of Iron,
Take of
Carbonate of iron, half an ounce;
Crystals of tartar, in very fine powder, one ounce;
Distilled water, a pint.
Boil them in a glass vessel over a slow fire for an hour, and filter
the liquor through paper. When cool, and filtered a second
time, evaporate it until a pellicle appears on the surface. In
cooling, it will form a saline mass, which is to be powdered,
and kept in close vessels. (D.)
This is in fact a triple tartrate of iron and potass, the excess
of acid in the super-tartrate of potass being saturated by oxide
of iron. In this process the combination is direct; in that of the
London college, the iron is oxidized during the first part of the
process, in which it is moistened and exposed to the action of
the air.
Tartrate of potass and iron may also be formed, by boiling a
solution of super-tartrate of potass with iron, or, what is still bet-
ter, with some of the oxides of iron, until the excess of acid h&
saturated. The compound, according to Thenard, is very solu-
ble, varies in colour according to the state of the oxide; crystal-
lizes in small needles, and has a chalybeate taste. It is not pre-
380 Materia Medica.
cipitated by alkalies or alkaline carbonates. It is decomposed by
sulphuretted hydrogen and its compounds, and by gallic acid.
The editors of Gren's Pharmacy say, that a solution of iron in
super-tartrate of potass, furnishes by evaporation greenish spa*
those permanent crystals, difficultly soluble; which is surely a
mistake; at least it neither corresponds with Thenard's account,
nor with the old name of this preparation, Mars Solubilis.
The tartrate of iron and potass may be given in the form of
powder or bolus, in doses of from ten to thirty grains.
ACETAS FERRI. Dub.
Acetate of Iron.
Take of
Carbonate of iron, half an ounce;
Acetic acid, three ounces by measure.
Digest for three days, and strain.
FERULA ASSA FOETIDA. Gummi-resina. Ed.
Asa Foetida. L. D.
Assa fcetida. A gum-resin.
Willd.g. 539. sp. 11. Pentandria Digynia. — Nat. ord. Umbellate.
D.
Duivelsdreck.
P.
Assafetida.
DA.
Dyvelsdrcek.
POL.
, Snrodzieniec, Czarzie
F.
Asa-fetida, Asse, Merde
laino.
de diable.
S.
Asa fetida.
G.
Teufelsdreck.
sw.
Dyfvelstrdck.
I.
Assa-fetida, Zaffetica.
The plant which furnishes assa foetida is perennial, and a native
of Persia. It has, however, borne fertile seeds in the open air in the
botanical garden of Edinburgh. The gum-resin is procured from
the roots of plants which are at least four years old. When the
leaves begin to decay, the stalk is twisted off, and the earth re-
moved from about their large tapering roots. The top of the root
is sometime afterwards cut off transversely; and forty-eight hours
afterwards, the juice, which has exuded, is scraped off, and a se-
cond transverse section is made. This operation is repeated until
the root be entirely exhausted of juice. After being scraped off,
the juice is exposed to the sun to harden.
It is brought to us in large irregular masses, composed of va-
rious little shining lumps or grains, which are partly of a whitish
F. —Ferula Assa Foetida. 381
colour, parti)" reddish, and partly of a violet hue. Those masses
are accounted the best which are clear, of a pale reddish colour,
and variegated with a great number of elegant white tears.
This drug has a strong fetid smell, somewhat like that of gar-
lic; and a bitter, acrid, biting taste. It loses some of its smell and
strength by keeping: a circumstance to be particularly regarded
in its exhibition.
Neumann got from 1920 parts, 1350 alcoholic extract, and
afterwards 190 watery, and inversely 550 watery. The smell re-
sides entirely in an essential oil which rises in distillation, both
with alcohol and water. Neumann got more than 60 from 1920
grains.
Medical use. — It is the most powerful of all the fetid gums,
and is a most valuable remedy. It acts as a stimulant, anti-
spasmodic, expectorant, emmenagogue and anthelmintic. Its ac-
tion is quick and penetrating.
It is often serviceable,
1. In croup.
2. In dyspepsia, amenorrhcea and chlorosis.
3. In asthma, dyspnoea and hysteria.
4. In tympanites and worms.
It is exhibited,
1. In substance, in the form of pills; in doses of from five
to twenty grains, either alone, or combined with bitter
extracts or purgatives.
2. Dissolved in some simple distilled water.
3. Dissolved in alcohol.
4. In the form of clyster, to the extent of about two drachms.
Officinal Preparations.
Assa foetida purificata, L. - vide Ammoniacum purification.
Lac assa? foetidae, L. - - Mixtures.
Tinctura assae foetidae, E. L. D. - Tincturce.
castorei composita, E. - Idem.
Spiritus ammonise foetidus, E. L» D. Spiritus destillati.
Pilulae aloes cum assa foetida, E. - Pilulce.
assae foetidae composite, E. Idem.
galbani compositae, L. - Idem.
Emplastrum assae foetidae. L. - Unguenta.
382 Materia Medtca.
FICUS CARICA. Fructus. Ed.
Carica. L. D.
Thefg tree. The fruit.
Polygamia Tricecia. — Nat. ord. Scabridcc.
D. Vygen. P. Figos.
DA. Figen. POL. Fiki.
F. Figues. R. Winniia jagodi.
G. Feigen. S. Higos.
I. Fichi. SW. ifttoii.
This tree is probably a native of Asia, but grows plentifully in
the south of Europe. As the fruit is very pulpy, it is dried when
it is to be preserved. To this country they are chiefly brought
from the Levant. They consist almost entirely of sugar and mu-
cilage, and are therefore demulcent. They are also esteemed by
some as suppuratives; and they are sometimes applied by them-
selves, heated as warm as they can easily be borne, to promote
the suppuration of a phlegmon, particularly when so situated that
other cataplasms cannot easily be kept applied.
Officinal Preparations.
Decoctum hordei compositum, L. - vide Decocta.
Electuarium sennae, E. L. - - - - Electuaria.
FRASERA CAROLINIENSIS. Walter.
Frazera Walteri. Michaux.
This plant is nearly allied in botanical habits, to the genus
gentiana. It is a native of the states of New York, Carolina, &c.
and is furnished with a large tuberous root, of a yellow colour,
which promises to bejittle inferior, as a bitter, to the gentian of
the shops';*
* Barton's Collections, Part II. p. 16.
F. — Fraxinus Ornus. 383
FRAXINUS ORNUS. Succus concretus. Ed.
Manna. L. D.
Manna-ash, The concrete juice. Manna.
Polygamia .Dzafcitf.— rNat. ord. Ascyroidece.
D. Manna. P. Manna.
DA. Manna. POL. Manna.
F. Manne. R. Manna.
G. Manna. S. Mana, Mangla, Almangre.
I. Manna. SW. Manna.
Manna is obtained from other species of fraxinus besides the
ornus, and especially from the rotundifolia. It is principally col-
lected in Calabria, Apulia and Sicily. In the warmest season of
the year, from the middle of June to the end of July, a clear juice
exudes from the stem and branches of these trees, which, when
naturally concreted on the plarits and scraped off, is called Manna
in the tear; but if allowed to exude on straws, or chips of wood
fastened to the tree, it is called Canulated or flaky manna. The
common, or fat manna, is got by incisions made after the sponta-
neous exudation is over, and is in larger masses and of a redder
colour. The best Calabrian manna is in oblong, light, friable
pieces or flakes, of a whitish or pale yellow colour, and somewhat
transparent. The inferior kinds are moist, unctuous, and dark co-
loured. Manna is said to be sometimes counterfeited by a com-
position of sugar and honey, mixed with a little scammony: there
is also a factitious manna, which is white and dry, said to be com-
posed of sugar, manna, and some purgative ingredient, boiled to
a proper consistence: this maybe distinguished by its weight, so-
lidity, untransparent whiteness, and by its taste, which is diffe-
rent from that of manna.
According to Neumann, manna dissolves in alcohol. On set-
ting the solution in a digesting heat it gradually deposits { of the
manna, of a fine white colour, light, spongy, and in some degree
crystalline, melting instantly upon the tongue, and impressing an
agreeable sweet taste, without any of the naust* ousness of the
manna: by further evaporation J more is obtained similar to
manna; and on continuing the evaporation, a thick extract is
formed, of the consistence of a balsam, which can scarcely be
fully exsiccated, but continues moist, and resembles civet grown
brown by age. In this extract, which is about one eighth, resides
all the nauseous matter of the manna. It has indeed a degree of
sweetish taste, but blended with a disgustful. The experiments
which Dr. Duncan has made verify these observations. The
quantity of matter which a hot alcoholic solution of manna depo-
384 Materia Medic a.
sits on cooling is various, a saturated solution concretes into a
perfectly dry, white, spongy, crystallized mass. When much less
concentrated, it deposits a congeries of most beautiful snow-
white acicular crystals. A saturated solution in boiling water also
forms a solid crystallized mass on cooling. It is therefore evident
that manna cannot be a species of sarcocoll, the only chemical
difference between which and sugar, stated by Dr. Thomson, is
its want of crystallizability.
Medical use. — Manna is a mild, agreeable laxative, and may
be given with safety to children and pregnant women: neverthe-
less in some particular constitutions, it acts very unkindly, pro-
ducing flatulency and distention of the viscera: these inconve-
niences may be prevented by the addition of any grateful warm
aromatic. Manna operates so weakly as not to produce the full
effect of a cathartic, unless taken in large doses; and h-ncc it is
rarely given with this intention by itself. It may be commodiously
dissolved in the purging mineral waters, or joined to the cathar-
tic salts, senna, rhubarb, or the like.
Officinal Preparations.
Syrupus mannse, D. - - vide Syrupi.
Electuarium cassise, E. L. D. - - Electuaries
FULIGO LIGNI COMBUSTI. D.
Wood-soot,
This substance is inflammable, of a shining black colour, a
disagreeable smell, and an empyreumatic, bitter, nauseous taste.
It varies somewhat according to the nature of the substance,
and the strength of the fire employed in its production. But it
consists principally of charcoal, empyreumatic oil, and acetous
acid. It sometimes contains ammonia, and the other alkalies and
earths. Its medical properties are to be ascribed solely to the
empyreumatic oil it contains.
FUMARIA OFFICINALIS. Fumaria. Herba. D.
Common fumitory. The plant.
Diadelphia Hexandria. — Nat. ord. Lomentacece.
This is a common annual weed in shady cultivated grounds.
It is very juicy, of a bitter taste, without any remarkable smell.
The alleged medical effects of this herb are, to strengthen the
G. — Gaultheria Procumbens. 385
tone of the bowels, gently loosen the belly, and promote the uri-
nary and other natural secretions. It is principally recommended
in melancholic, scorbutic, and cutaneous disorders.
G
GALBANUM. • Vide Bubon.
GALEGA VIRGINIANA.
Virginia-Goats-rue.
This is one of the most beautiful of the known North Amer-
can plants of the class Diadelphia. It is common in many parts
of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, &c. It is called cat-gut in Jersey,
from the resemblance of its roots to that article. A decoction of
the roots is a powerful anthelmintic*
GALLjE. - Vide ^uercus Cerris.
GAMBOGIA. - Vide Stalagmitis.
GAULTHERIA PROCUMBENS.
Mountain- Tea.
It is also called berried-tea, grouse-berry, and deer-berries;
and is one of the principal articles of the materia medica of some
Indian tribes. It is extensively spread over the more barren,
mountainous parts of the United States. In infusion it possesses
a stimulant and anodyne quality, and is said to be useful in cases
of asthma, f
• Barton's Collections, Part I. p. 64. f Barton's Collections, Part I. p. 19-
3 C
386 Materia Medico.
GENTIANA LUTEA. Radix. Ed.
Gentiana. L. D.
Gentian. The Root.
Willd. g. 512. sp. 1. Pentandria Digynia. — Nat. ord. Rotacece.
D. Gentiaan. P-. Genciana.
DA. Entian, Sb'drod. POL. Goryczka.
F. Gentiane. R. Enzian.
G. Enzian, Gentian. S. Jenciana.
I. Genziana. SW. Bagsota.
Gentian is a perennial plant, which grows upon the Alps,
Pyrenees, Appenines, and other mountainous situations in the
temperate parts of Europe.
The roots are long, thick, externally of a brown colour, and
wrinkled; internally spongy, and of a yellow colour, without any
remarkable smell, but surpassing in bitterness all other European
vegetables. Alcohol dissolves only the bitter extractive, water
both the extractive and mucilage.
Neumann got from 960 grains 390 alcoholic, and afterwards
210 insipid watery extract, and inversely 540 watery, and only
20 alcoholic.
Gentian possesses the general virtues of bitters in an eminent
degree, and it is totally devoid of astringency. On dead animal
matter it acts as an antiseptic. Taken into the stomach, it proves
a powerful tonic, and in large doses it evacuates the intestines.
It is useful in debility of the stomach, in general debility, and in
gout. Combined with astringents it cures intermittents. Exter-
nally, it is applied to purtid ulcers.
Officinal Preparations.
Infusum gentianse compositum, E. L. D. vide Infusa.
Tinctura gentianse composita, E. L. - Tincturce.
rhei cum gentiana, E. Idem.
Vinum gentian* compositum, E. - - Vina Medicata.
Extractum gentianae, E. L. D. - - Extracta.
GEOFFRiEA INERMIS. Cortex. Ed.
GeoffrjEa. D.
Cabbage bark-tree. The bark.
Diadelphia Decandria. — Nat. ord. Papilionacea-.
G. — Geoifrsea. — Geranium. 387
The bark of this tree, which grows in the low savannas of
Jamaica, is of a grey colour externally, but black and furrowed on
the inside. The powder looks like jalap, but is not so heavy. It
has a mucilaginous and sweetish taste, and a disagreeable smell.
But its medical effects are much greater than its sensible qualities
would lead us to expect.
It is given in cases of worms, in form of powder, decoction, sy-
rup, and extract. The decoction is preferred; and is made by
slowly boiling an ounce of the fresh dried bark in a quart of wa-
ter, till it assume the colour of Madeira wine. This sweetened, is
the syrup; evaporated, it forms an extract. It commonly produces
some sickness and purging; sometimes violent effects, as vomit-
ing, delirium, and fever. These last are said to be owing to an
overdose, or to drinking cold water; and are relieved by the use
of warm water, castor oil, or a vegetable acid. It should always
be begun in small doses; and when properly and cautiously ad-
ministered, it operates as a very powerful anthelmintic, particu-
larly for the expulsion of the lumbrici, which are a very common
cause of disease in the West India islands; and there it is very
frequently employed.
Officinal Preparation.
Decoctum geoffraese inermis, E. - vide Decocta.
GERANIUM MACULATUM.
Spotted Geranium,
This is improperly called crow-foot in some parts of the Uni-
ted States. It grows plentifully about Philadelphia. The root
boiled in milk is an excellent medicine in the cholera of children.
In Kentucky it has been collected for the tormentil of the shops.
It is called in some of the northwestern parts of the United
States, Racine a Becquet, after a person of this name. The wes-
tern Indians say it is the most effectual of all their remedies for
the cure of the venereal disease.
An aqueous infusion of the roots forms an excellent injection
in gonorrhea, and in old gleets.*
Dr. Mease mentions its efficacy in stopping bleedings, by ap-
plying the root to the bleeding orifice. f
* Barton's Collections, Part I. p. 8, 43. Part II. p. 1.
f Philadelphia Medical Museum, Vol. II. p. 163.
388 Materia Medica.
GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA. Radix. Extractum. Ed,
Glycyrrhiza. L. D.
Liquorice. The root and the extract.
Diadelphia Decandria. — Nat. ord. Papilionacece.
D. Zoethout. P. Regoliz, Rogoliz, Mcacuz.
DA. Lakrizrod. POL. Lakryciay Slodki korzen,
F. Reglisse. R. Koren soledkoiuoi.
G. Sussholzsaft. . S. Regaliz, Orozuz.
I. Pasta liquirizia. SW. Lakritsrot.
Liquorice is a perennial plant, and a native of the south of
Europe, but it is cultivated in considerable quantities in England
for medical purposes; and the roots which are raised there,
are preferred' to those imported from abroad, which are very
frequently mouldy and spoiled, which this root is extremely apt
to be when not well preserved in a perfectly dry place. The roots
are very long, about an inch thick, flexible, fibrous, externally
of a brown colour, internally yellow, and, when fresh, juicy.
Their taste is very sweet, combined with a slight degree of bitter,
when long kept in the mouth. They are prepared lor use by peel-
ing them, cutting away all the fibres and spoiled or mouldy parts.
The powder of liquorice usually sold is often mingled with
flower, and perhaps also with substances not quite so wholesome:
the best sort is of a brownish yellow colour, the fine pale yellow
being generally sophisticated, and it is of a very rich sweet taste,
much more agreeable than that of the fresh root.
Neumann got from 960 parts of dried liquorice, 300 alcoholic
extract, and afterwards 210 watery, and inversely 540 watery, and
only 30 alcoholic. The original alcoholic extract is the sweetest.
Medical use. — Its predominant constituents being saccharine
and mucilaginous matter, its only action is that of a mild demul-
cent, and as such it is frequently used in catarrh, and in some
stomach-complaints, which seem to arise from a deficiency of the
natural mucus, which should defend the stomach against the acri-
mony of the food, and the fluids secreted into it.
On account of its bulk it is rarely exhibited in substance, but
more frequently in infusion or decoction.
Officinal Preparations.
Extractum glycyrrhizse, E. L. D. - vide Extracta.
Decoctum daphnes mezerei, E. - Decocta.
guaiaci compositum, E. - Idem.
hordei compositum, L. - Idem.
sarsaparillae compositum, L. D. ! Idem.
G. — Glycyrrhiza glabra. — Gratiola. 389
Electuarium sennse, E. L. - - vide Electuaria.
Trochisci amyli, L. - - Trochisci.
Tinctura rhabarbari composita, L. - Tinctura.
Pilulae hydrargyri, L. D. - - Pilula.
EXTRACTUM GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA. Ed.
As this extract is never prepared by the apothecary, but com-
monly imported from other countries, the Edinburgh college have
inserted it in their list of materia medica. It is imported in cylin-
drical rolls, covered with bay -leaves. It should be perfectly black,
brittle when cold, and break with a smooth and glossy fracture,
ha ' a sweet taste, with empyreuma, and be entirely soluble in
water. It is prepared from the fresh roots by expression, decoc-
tion and inspissation.
The best foreign extract of liquorice is prepared in Catalonia,
but it is not so pure or so agreeable as the refined liquorice sold
in the shops in small cylindrical pieces, not thicker than a goose-
quill.
Neumann got from 480 parts of Spanish extract460 watery ex-
tract, and the residuum was not affected by alcohol, and inversely
he got 280 alcoholic, and 180 watery extract. In this last case
the alcoholic extract contained all the sweetness, the watery hav-
ing scarcely any taste. From the similarity of their taste, Dr.
Thomson has made it a species of his new genus saTCocoll, but
Neumann's more accurate analysis shows that it is a compound.
The extract possesses the same properties with the root, and
is used for the formation of several kinds of troches.
Officinal Preparations.
Tinctura aloe's, E. L. D. - - vide Tincture?.
Trochisci glycyrrhizse, E. L. D. - Trochisci.
cum opio, E. D. Idem.
GRATIOLA OFFICINALIS. Herba. Ed.
Gratiola. L.
Hedge-hyssop. The plant.
Willd.g. 49. sp.l. — Diandria Monogynia. — Nat. ord. Per sonata.
This is a perennial plant, a native of marshy situations in the
south of Europe. It is gathered for use when in flower. It has no
smell, but a very bitter somewhat nauseous taste. It is a drastic
390 Materia Medica.
purgative and emetic, and a very powerful anthelmintic, but its
use requires caution. In substance it may be given to the extent
of half a drachm, and in infusion to three drachms.
GUAJACUM OFFICINALE. Lignum, Gummi-resina. Ed.
Guaiacum. Lignum, Gummi-resina. L. D. Cortex. D.
Guaiac, The wood, bark, and gum-resin,
Willd, g, 819. sp, 2. — Decandria Monogynia. — Nat. ord. GruU
nales.
D. Pockhout. P. Guaiaco, Poa sancto.
DA. Pokkentrcee, Fransostrae. POL. Gwaiak.
F. Gayac, Bois saint. R. Bakaut.
G. Pockholz. S. Guayaco, Palo santo.
I. Guajaco, Legno santo. SW. Pockenhoits, Fransose?iholts.
This tree is a native of the West-Indies, where it grows to a
middling size. The wood is heavier than water, very hard, resi-
nous, and of a greenish-black colour. Its taste is bitterish, and
when kindled it gives out a pleasant smell. It is brought either
in pieces, which are sometimes covered with a pale yellow albur-
num, or already rasped, when by division its colour appears
greenish, brown, or yellow. The bark is thin, of an ash-grey
or blackish colour, and apparently composed of several laminae.
It is less resinous than the wood. Neumann got from 7680 parts
of the wood 1680 alcoholic, and 280 watery extract, and inversely
740 watery, and 960 alcoholic; from 3840 of the bark he got 560
alcoholic, and 320 watery, and inversely 620 watery, and 240
alcoholic. The resin exudes spontaneously in tears, but is princi-
pally obtained by sawing the wood into billets about three feet
long, which are then bored with an auger longitudinally. One
end of these is laid upon a fire, so that a calabash may receive
the melted resin, which runs through the hole as the wood
burns. It may be also obtained by boiling the chips or sawings of
the wood, in water and muriate of soda. The resin swims at the
top, and may be skimmed off. This resin has a brownish yellow
colour externally; when held against the light is transparent,
breaks with a uniform smooth shining fracture, of a bluish green
colour, pulverizable, powder of a white colour, gradually be-
coming bluish-green, fusible in a moderate heat, but not soften-
ed by the heat of the fingers, soluble* in alcohol, insoluble in
water, (Neumann got from 480 parts 400 alcoholic, and only 10
watery extract, and inversely 80 watery, and 280 alcoholic),
without proper smell or taste, but when thrown on hot coals
G. — Guajacum. 391
diffusing an agreeable odour, and when swallowed in a state of
minute division, causing an insufferable burning and prickling in
the throat. It therefore is not a gummy-resin, but a pure resin.
It is sometimes adulterated with colophony or common resin,
but the fraud is easily detected by the smell of turpentine which
they emit when thrown on live coals.
Medical use. — Taken internally, guaiac commonly excites a
sense of warmth in the stomach, a dryness of the mouth, with
thirst. It increases the heat of the body, and quickens the circu-
lation. If the patient be kept warm, it produces diaphoresis; if
exposed freely to the air^ an increased flow of urine. In large
doses it is purgative.
Guaiac is a useful remedy,
1. In rheumatism and gout.
2. In certain venereal symptoms, as in foul indolent ulcers,
and a thickened state of the ligaments or periosteum, re-
maining after the body is reduced by a mercurial course.
Guaiac will also suspend the progress of some of the se-
condary symptoms, but it is totally incapable of eradicating
the disease.
3. In cutaneous diseases.
4. In ozsna and scrofulous affections of the membranes and
ligaments.
The wood is always exhibited in decoction. From the resinous
nature of the active constituent of this substance, this cannot be
a very active preparation, as the menstruum is totally incapable
of dissolving, though it may suspend a little of the resin. The
decoction of an ounce may be drunk in cupfuls in the course of
a day.
The resin may be exhibited,
1. In substance, either made into pills, or suspended in wa-
ter in the form of an emulsion. In this way from 10 to 30
grains of the resin may be taken in the day.
2. In solution; in alcohol. About half an ounce of the tinc-
ture, with three ounces of water, is a sudorific dose for an
adult, if he attend to keeping himself warm.
3. Combined with an alkali.
Officinal Preparations.
Tinctura guaiaci officinalis, E. vide Tincturce.
ammoniata, E. L. D. Tincturce ammonia tor.
Pulvis aloeticus cum guaiaco, L. Puheres.
Decoctum guaiaci officinalis compositum,E. Decocta.
sarsaparilhe compositum, L. D. Idem.
30& Materia Medica.
GUMMI ARABICUM. - Vide Mimosa.
GUMMI TRAGACANTHA. Vide Astragalus.
H.
HjEMATOXYLON CAMPECHIANUM. Ed.
HvEmatoxylum. Lignum. L. D.
Logwood-tree. The wood.
lVUId.g.830.sp. 1. — Decandria Monogynia. — Nat.ord. Lomentac.
D. Kamfiechehout. P. Pao de Camfieche.
DA. Blaaholt, Camfieschetr&. POL. Kamfiesza.
F. Bois de Camfieche. R. Kamfietschkoe deretvo,
G. Blauholz. S. Paolo de Camfieche.
I. Camfieggio, legno tauro. SW". Camfieschetr'd.
This tree was introduced from the Honduras into Jamaica,
where it is now very common. The wood is firm, heavy, and of
a dark red colour. Its taste is sweet, with a slight degree of as-
tringency. It forms a precipitate with solution of gelatine, very
readily soluble in excess of gelatine, and Dr. Duncan says, that
with sulphate of iron it strikes a brighter blue than any other as-
tringent he tried. It is used principally as a dye-wood, but also
with considerable advantage in medicine.
Its extract is also sweet and slightly astringent; and is, there-
fore, useful in obstinate diarrhoeas, and in chronic dysentery.
HELLEBORUS.
Willd.g. 1089. — Polyandria Polygynia. — Nat. ord. Multisiliqux.
HELLEBORUS NIGER, sp. 2. Radix. Ed. L. D.
Melampodium.
Black Hellebore. The root.
D. Mesnvortel. P. Helleboro.
DA. Nyserod. POL. Ciemierzyca.
F. Hellebore. R. Tschemeriza.
G. Mesivurz, S. Vedegambre.
I. Elleboro. SW. Prustrot.
H.— Helleborus. 393
This plant is perennial, and grows wild in the mountainous
parts of Austria, and on the Pyrenees and Appenines: the earliness
of its flowers, which sometimes appear in December, has gained
it a place in gardens.
The roots consist of a black furrowed roundish head, about the
size of a nutmeg, from which short articulated branches arise,
sending out numerous corrugated fibres, about the thickness of a
straw, from a span to a foot in length, deep brown on the out-
side, white, or yellowish-white within, and of an acrid, nauseous
and bitterish taste, exciting a sense of heat and numbness in the
tongue, and of a nauseous acrid smell. These fibres only are used
in medicine, and the head and decayed parts are rejected. For
the roots of the real black hellebore, the roots of the Adonis ver-
nalis, Trollius Europasus, Actaea spicata, Astrantia major, Hel-
leborus viridis fcetidus, Veratrum album, and Aconitum neomon-
tanum, are often substituted. The last is a most virulent poison,
and may be distinguished by its roots being fusiform, or nearly
globular, sending out numerous very brittle fibres, of a greyish
black or brown colour, as thick as a man's finger, and repeatedly
divided. But the surest way to avoid mistakes, is by the apothe-
cary cultivating the plant itself in his own garden.
Neumann got from 2880 grains 380 alcoholic, and 181 watery
extract, and inverselv 362 watery and 181 alcoholic.
In large doses, hellebore is a drastic purgative; in smaller doses
it is diuretic and emmenagogue. Its active constituent seems to
be of a volatile nature; for it loses its virtues by keeping, and
water distilled from it has an acrid taste.
It is principally used as a purgative in cases of mania, melan-
choly, coma, dropsy, worms and psora, and as an emmt nagogue.
But its use requires very great caution, for its effects are very un-
certain, and affected by many circumstances.
It is commonlv exhibited in the form of extract, although its
activity be much dissipated by the preparation. An infusion or
tincture certainly promise to be medicines of more uniform
powers. Willdenow says, that the black hellebore of the ancients
is his fifth species, the Helleborus orientalis.
Officinal Preparation.
Tinctura hellebori nigri, E. L. D. - vide Tinctures,
HELLEBORUS FOETIDUS. Sp. 6. Heeleboraster.
Folium* L.
Bears-foot. The leaves.
This species is a native of England. It is perennial, and grows
3 D
394 Materia Medica.
in shady places, and under hedges. The leaves have an acrid,
bitter, nauseous taste, and unpleasant smell, especially when rhey
are fresh. When dried, they are frequently given as a domestic
medicine to destroy worms; but they must be used sparingly, be-
ing so violent in their operation that instances of their fatal ef-
fects are recorded.
HEUCHERA AMERICANA.
American sanicle. Alum root.
The root is an intense astringent; and is the basis of a powder
which has lately acquired some reputation in the cure of cancer.
It is one of the articles in the materia medica of our Indians.
They apply the powdered root to wounds and ulcers and cancers.*
HORDEUM DISTICHON. Semen omni cortice nudatum. Ed.
Hordeum Distichum. Semina. D. Hordeum. L.
Barley. The seed. Pearl barley.
Willd.g. 151. sp. 3. — Triandria Digynia.— Nat. ord. Gramina.
Barley is an annual plant, cultivated in almost every country
of Europe. Linnseus says that it is a native of Tartary, but with-
out adducing sufficient proof.
Pearl barley is prepared by grinding off the husk of rough bar-
ley, and forming the grain into little round granules, which ap-
pear of a kind of pearly whiteness. In this state barley consists
almost solely of amylaceous matter, and when boiled forms an
excellent article of nourishment; while a decoction of it, properly
acidulated, is one of the best beverages in acute diseases.
Officinal Preparation.
Decoctum hordei distichi, E. L. - vide Decocta.
HUMULUS LUPULUS.
The common Hop.
This is an agreeably bitter, anodyne,^ diuretic remedy; it is
however but little used in medicine, except in the form of a satu-
* Barton's Collections, Part I. and I£.
H. — Hydrargyrum. 395'
rated tincture; of which from 30 to 100 drops and more may be
given to procure sleep, when opium is improper. It does not pro-
duce costiveness as opium does. For a particular account of its
properties, see Dr. Bryarley's Inaugural Dissertation.
HYDRARGYRUM. D.
Hydrargyria. L. Ed.
Mercury.
Quicksilver.
D.
DA.
F.
G*.
I.
Kwikzilver.
Queksb'lv.
Fif argent.
Quecksilber.
Argento vivo.
P. Azougue.
POL. Zynve srebro
R. Rtut.
S. Azogue.
SW. Quicksilfver.
Mercury is very bright white; specific gravity 13.568; freez-
ing at — 39; boiling at 660°, partly ductile and malleable; oxi-
dizable by trituration in the air, and in a farther degree by the
action of the air and heat; does not decompose, water; forms
amalgams with manf metals; and is oxidized and dissolved by
the sulphuric, nitric, and oxy-muriatic acids. Oxides, black, yel-
low, red.
It is found,
I. In its metallic state :
a. Uncornbined.
b. Alloved with silver.
c. Alloyed with copper.
d. Combined with sulphur, (Cinnabar).
e. Combined with hydroguretted sulphur, (iEthiops mi-
nerale).
II. Oxidized:
a. Combined with muriatic acid.
b. ■ sulphuric acid.
There are considerable mines of mercury in Hungary and la
Spain; and what is employed in England is principally imported
from the former country.
Mercury taken into the stomach in its metallic state has no ac-
tion on the body, except what arises from its weight or bulk. It
is not poisonous as was vulgarly supposed, but perfectlv inert.
But in its various states of combination, it produces certain
sensible effects. It quickens the circulation, and increases all the
secretions and excretions. According to circumstances, the habit
•f the body of the patient, the temperature in which he is kept,
396 Materia Medica.
the nature of the preparation, and the quantity in which it is ex-
hibited, its effects are indeed various; it sometimes increases one
secretion more particularly, sometimes another, but its most
characteristic effect is the increased flow of saliva, which it gene-
rally excites, if given in sufficient quantity. Its particular effects,
and means of producing each of them, will be noticed hereafter.
From many motives, both laudable and culpable, mercury has
been tortured into a greater variety of forms than any other arti-
cle of the materia medica. Of these, Swediaur has given a com-
plete table in the late edition of his works on the venereal dis-
ease. It is too long for insertion in this place: we shall therefore
give a systematic view of those mercurial preparations only which
enter at least one of the British pharmacopoeias.
Mercury is exhibited,
I. Purified by distillation.
Hydrargyrum purificatum. Ed. L. D. •
II. Oxidized:
A. Protoxide.
1. By precipitation from its solution in nitrous acid, by
ammonia.
Oxidum hydrargyri cinereum. Ed.
Pulvishydrargyri cinereus. D.
2. By trituration:
a. With unctuous substances.
Unguentum hydrargyri. Ed.
fortius. L. D.
mitius. L. D.
Emplastrum ammoniaci cum hydrargyro. L.
lithargyri cum hydrargyro. L.
hydrargyri. Ed.
b. With saccharine substances.
Pilulae hydrargyri. Ed. L. D.
c. With carbonate of lime.
Hydrargyrus cum creta. L.
III. Oxidized:
B. Peroxide.
1. By the action of heat and air.
Hydrargyrum calcinatum. L." D*
2. By the action of nitrous acid.
Oxidum hydrarg. rubrum per acidum nitricum. Ed.
Hydrargyrum sub-nitratum. D.
H. — Hydrargyrum. 3 97
Hydrargyria nitratus ruber. L.
Unguentum oxidi hydrargyri rubri. Ed.
IV. Oxidized and combined with acids:
A. Protoxide.
1. With nitrous acid:
Unguentum hydrargyri nitrati. Ed. L* D.
2. With sulphuric acid:
Sub-sulphas hydrargyri flavus. Ed.
Hydrarg\rum sub-vitriolatum. D.?
Hvdrargyrus vitriolatus. L.
3. With muriatic acid:
a. By sublimation.
Siib-murias hydrargyri. Ed.
Hydrargyrum muriatum mite sublimatum. D.
Calomelas. L.
b. By precipitation.
Sub-murias hydrargyri prsecipitatus. Ed.
Hydrarg. muriat. mite praec. D.
Hydrargyrus muriatis mitis. L.
4. WTith acetous acid:
Acetis hydrargyri. Ed.
Hydrargyrum acetatum. L. D.
B. Peroxide.
1. Muriate.
Murias Hydrargyri. Ed.
Hydrargyrus muriatus. L.
Hydrargyrum muriatum corrosivum. D.
2. Sub-muriate with ammonia.
Calx hydrargyri alba. L.
V. Combined with sulphur:
1. By trituration.
Sulphuretum hydrargyri nigrum. Ed. Hydr. cum
sulph. L.
Hydrargyrum sulphuratum nigrum. D.
2. By sublimation.
Hydrargyrum sulphuratum rubrum. L. D.
Mercury, or some of its preparations, is exhibited,
1. As an errhine. The sub-sulphate of mercury.
2. As a sialogogue. Mercury in almost any form.
3. As a cathartic. The sub-muriate of mercury, (calomel;.
4. As a diuretic. The oxides, the muriate, and the sub-
muriate, combined with other diuretics.
5. As a sudorific. Calomel conjoined with a sudorific
regimen.
398 Materia Medica.
6. As an eramenagogue.
T. As an astringent. Muriate of mercury.
8. As a stimulant. Muriate of mercury.
9. As an antispasmodic.
10. As an anthelmintic.
With some of these views, mercury is frequently exhibited,
1. In febrile diseases; in obstinate agues.
2. In inflammatory diseases; in indolent and chronic
inflammations, especially of the glandular viscera, as
the liver, spleen, &c.
3. In exanthematous diseases; variola.
4. In profluvia; in dysentery.
5. In spasmodic diseases; tetanus, trismus, hydropho-
bia, &c.
6. In cachectic diseases; anasarca, ascites, hydrothorax3
hydrocephalus, &c.
7. In impetigines; scrofula, syphilis, lepra, icterus, &c.
8. In local diseases; in caligo cornea?, amaurosis, gonor-
rhoea, obstipatio, amenorrhea suppressionis, tumours
of various kinds, herpes, tinea, psora, &c.
Mercury occasionally attacks the bowels, and causes violent
purging, even of blood. This effect is remedied by intermitting
the use of the medicine, and by exhibiting opium.
At other times it is suddenly determined to the mouth, and
produces inflammation, ulceration, and an excessive flow of saliva.
In this case, too, the use of the mercury must be discontinued for a
time; while, according to Mr. Pearson's advice, the patient should
be freely exposed to a dry cold air, with the occasional use of ca-
thartics, Peruvian bark, and mineral acids, and the assiduous ap-
plication of astringent gargles. On the other hand, the sudden
suppression of ptyalism is not without danger. It is most frequent-
ly caused by cold liquids being taken into the stomach, or exposure
to cold and moisture, while under the influence of mercury. The
danger is to be obviated by the quick introduction of mercury, so
as to affect the gums, with the occasional use of the warm bath.
Sometimes also a morbid condition of the system occurs during
a mercurial course, and which tends to a fatal issue. Mr. Pearson
has termed it Erethism us. It is characterized by great depressions
of strength; a sense of anxiety about the prsecordia; frequent sigh-
ing; trembling, partial or universal; a small, quick pulse; some-
times vomiting; a pale contracted countenance; a sense of cold-
ness, while the tongue is seldom furred, or the vital or natural
functions much disordered. In this state a sudden or violent ex-
ertion of muscular power will sometimes prove /fatal* To prevent
dangerous consequences, the mercury must be discontinued,
H. — Hydrargyrum Purificatum. 399
whatever may be the stage, extent, or violence of the disease
for which it has been exhibited, and the patient must expose
himself freely to a dry and cool air, in such a manner as shall
be attended with the least fatigue; and in the course of ten or
fourteen days, he will sometimes be so far recovered that he
may safely resume the use of mercury.
HYDRARGYRUM PURIFICATUM. D.
Hydrargyria Purificatus. L. Ed.
Purified Quicksilver,
Take of
Quicksilver, four parts;
Filings of iron, one part.
Rub them together, and distil from an iron-vessel. (E.)
The quicksilver of commerce is often adulterated with lead,
tin, or other metals, which renders it unfit for internal use, and
for many preparations. It therefore becomes necessary to purify
it, and fortunately its comparatively great volatility supplies us
with an easy process. The Dublin college distil it simply without
any addition; but, lest towards the end of the process the mer-
cury should elevate any impurities along with it, they draw oif
but two thirds. The principal objection to this process is the
want of economy; for although the remaining third may be used
for some purposes, its value is very much depreciated. As iron
has a much stronger affinity for almost all the substances with
which quicksilver may be adulterated than quicksilver has, bv
adding iron-filings we may draw off the whole quicksilver by
distillation, without any fear of the impurities rising along with it.
The London college add an equal weight of iron-filings, but so
large a quantity causes the size of the distilling apparatus to be
unnecessarily increased. The Edinburgh college use one fourth,
which is certainly enough.
Glass-retorts are inadmissible in this distillation; because, when
the mercury begins to boil, the concussion is so great, that they
would certainly be broken. Iron-retorts are the best, although
strong earthen ones may be also used. The receiver may be of
the same materials, or of glass, if we wish to inspect the progress
of the operation; but in this case we must interpose an adopter
between the retort and receiver, and fill the receiver nearly full of
water, that the mercury may not crack it by falling hot into it.
The retort employed should be so large, that the quicksilver
should not fill above one third of it.
400 Materia Medica.
ACETIS HYDRARGYRI. Ed.
Acetite of §>iiicksiher.
Hydrargyrus Acetatus. L.
/Hydrargyrum Acetatum. D.
t Acetas Hydrargyri.
Acetated §*iiicksilver.
Take of
Purified quicksilver, three ounces;
Diluted nitrous acid, four ounces and a half, or a little more
than may be required for dissolving the mercury;
Acetite of potass, three ounces;
Boiling water, eight pounds.
Mix the quicksilver with the diluted citrous acid; and after the
effervescence has ceased, digest if necessary with a gentle heat,
until the quicksilver be entirely dissolved. Then dissolve the
acetite of potass in the boiling water, and immediately to this
solution, still hot, add the former, and mix them by agitation.
Then set the mixture aside to crystallize. Place the crystals
in a funnel, and wash them with cold distilled water; and,
lastly, dry them with as gentle a heat as possible. (E.)
This process of the Edinburgh college was ascertained by very
careful experiment, and if its directions be accurately followed,
the preparation succeeds admirably. Nitrate of mercury is de-
composed by acetate of potass; and the products are acetate of
mercury and nitrate of potass. The nitrate of potass being much
more soluble than the acetate of mercury, remains in solution after
the latter is separated by crystallization. Mercury is capable of
forming different combinations with nitrous acid, which possess
each their characteristic properties. When we employ a sufficient
quantity of acid to dissolve the mercury without the assistance of
heat, and to retain it in solution, there is always an excess of acid;
and therefore it is a solution of super-nitrate of mercury. If we
evaporate this solution very gently, or if we employ a larger pro-
portion of mercury at first, and assist the action of the acid by a
gentle heat, we obtain nitrate of mercury crystallized in various
forms. In these the mercury is in the state of protoxide. But if
we assist the action of the acid by boiling, the mercury is convert-
ed into peroxide, and a larger quantity is dissolved. This solu-
tion is very apt to crystallize, both on cooling and by the diminu-
tion of the quantity of acid during the process; and if we attempt
to dilute the solution with water, a copious precipitate of sub-ni-
trate of mercury immediately takes place, and the solution con^
H. — Hydrargyrum. — Acetis Hydrargyri. 401
tains super-nitrate of mercury. If the dilution be made with cold
water, the sub-nitrate has a white colour, which, by a very slight
application of heat, passes to a beautiful yellow, the colour which
it has at first when separated by boiling water. An opposite, but
we believe less correct, opinion is entertained by Mr. Chenevix,
who asserts that it is less oxidized, because super-nitrate of
mercury, prepared without heat, is capable, when heated to
ebullition, of dissolving an additional quantity of mercury with-
out the formation of any nitrous gas.
For making the acetate of mercury, the nitrate is prepared
with a very gentle heat, and with excess of acid, that it may be
retained in perfect solution, and that there may be no possibility
of any admixture of sub-nitrate with the acetate formed. A larger
proportion of acid is used bv the Edinburgh college than by the
other colleges, but by careful experiment it was ascertained to
be necessary for the success of the process. In mixing the solu-
tions, we must be careful to pour the mercurial solution into that
of the acetate of potass, because, by adopting the contrary pro-
cedure, the sub-nitrate of mercury will be precipitated undecom-
posed, if any peroxide be contained in the mercurial solution.
For dissolving the acetate of potass, the London and Dublin col-
leges only use as much water as is capable of retaining the nitrate
of potass in solution; the acetate of mercury is therefore precipi-
tated, and is purified by again dissolving it in boiling water and
crystallizing it. This part of the process is simplified by the
Edinburgh college, who use as much water for dissolving the
acetate of potass as is capable of retaining, as long as it is hot,
the acetate of mercury in solution, and of allowing it to crystal-
lize as it cools. In this way, therefore, it is procured at once
sufficiently pure. The exsiccation of the acetate of mercury is an
operation of great delicacy; for it is so spongy, that it retains the
moisture with great obstinacy; and it is decomposed so easily,
that heat can scarcely be employed. It is best dried by compres-
sing it between several folds of bibulous paper.
The Prussian Dispensatory directs acetate of mercury to be
prepared by dissolving two ounces of the red oxide of mercury
in about seven ounces of concentrated acetic acid, and evaporat-
ing the solution to dryness; but this process affords a salt of a
very different nature from that prepared according to the direc-
tions of the British colleges, the latter containing protoxide, and
being crystallizable; and the former the peroxide, and not crys-
tallizable.
Acetate of mercury is scarcely soluble in cold water, but dis-
solves readily in boiling water. It generally crystallizes in mica-
ceous plates, and is extremely easy of decomposition.
It is supposed to be a mild preparation of mercury, and was the
active ingredient of the celebrated Keyser's pills. In solution it
3E
402 Materia Medica,
has also been recommended externally, to remove freckles and
cutaneous eruptions.
MURIAS HYDRARGYRI; olim, Mercurius Sublimatus
Corrosivus. Ed,
Muriate of Quicksilver^ formerly Corrosive Sublimate,
Hydrargyria Muriatus. L.
Hydrargyrum Muriatum Corrosivum. D.
Muriated Quicksilver, Corrosive Muriated Quicksilver,
Take of
Purified quicksilver, two pounds;
Sulphuric acid, two pounds and a half;
Dried muriate of soda, four pounds.
Boil the quicksilver with the sulphuric acid in a glass vessel
placed in a sand bath, until the matter be dried. Mix the
matter when cold in a glass vessel, with the muriate of soda;
then sublime in a glass cucurbit, with a heat gradually in-
creased. Lastly, separate the sublimed matter from the scoriae.
(E. L. D.)
By boiling the quicksilver to dryness with sulphuric acid, the
metal is oxidized by the decomposition of part of the acid, and
combines with the rest to form sub-sulphate of quicksilver. In
the second part of the process, this sub-sulphate is decomposed
by dried muriate of soda; muriate of quicksilver sublimes, and
sulphate of soda remains behind. In Holland it is manufactured
by subjecting to sublimation a mixture of dried sulphate of iron,
nitrate of potass, muriate of soda, and quicksilver. In the former
editions of the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia, the mercury was oxi-
dized by boiling it to dryness in nitrous acid, and then sublimed
with muriate of soda and sulphate of iron. Bergmann recom-
mends the sublimation of sub-nitrate of mercury and muriate of
soda, and Mr. Murray seems inclined to prefer it to the new
process.
Muriate of quicksilver crystallizes by sublimation in prismatic
needles, forming a white semi-transparent mass. It is ponderous.
Its taste is acrid, styptic, and durable. It is soluble in 20 parts of
cold water, and in 2 at 212°. It is also soluble in 3.8 parts of
alcohol at 70°, and in almost an equal weight of boiling alcohol.
It gives a green colour to syrup of violets. It is not altered by
exposure to the air, and is sublimed unchanged by heat. It is not
decomposed by any of the acids; but is soluble, without altera-
tion, in the sulphuric, nitric, and muriatic acids. It is precipitated
by all the alkalies and earths, of an orange-yellow colour, which
H. — Hydrargyrum. — Murias Hydrargyri. 403
gradually changes to a brick red; and by their carbonates, of a
permanent yellow colour. Ammonia forms with it an insoluble,
white, triple salt. It is also decomposed by several of the metals.
It consists, according to Mr. Chenevix, of
Quicksilver 69.71 0xide of mercu 82
Oxygen 12.3 J '
Muriatic acid 18
100
And the oxide therefore consists of
Quicksilver 85
Oxygen 15
100
Medical use. — Muriate of mercury is one of the most violent
poisons with which we are acquainted. Externally it acts as an
escharotic or a caustic; and in solution it is used for destroying
fungous flesh, and for removing herpetic eruptions; but even ex-
ternally it must be used with very great caution. It has, however,
been recommended to be given internally, by the respectable au-
thorities of Boer^aave and Van Swieten; and it is the active in-
gredient of all the empirical antivenereal syrups. Were it really
capable of curing the venereal disease, or equal in efficacy to the
common modes of administering mercury, it would possess many
advantages over them in other respects: but that it cannot be de-
pended upon, is almost demonstrated by its use as an antivene-
real being very much confined to the quacks, and by the testimony
of the most experienced practitioners. Mr. Pearson says, that it
will sometimes cure the primary symptoms of syphilis, especially
if it produce considerable soreness of the gums, and the common
effects of mercury; but that it will often fail in removing a chancre;
and where it has removed it, that the most steady perseverance
will not secure the patient from a constitutional affection. It is
on some occasions, however, a useful auxiliary to a mercurial
course, in quickly bringing the system under the influence of
mercury, and in supporting its action after the use of frictions,
and is peculiarly efficacious in relieving venereal pains, in heal-
ing ulcers of the throat, and in promoting the desquamation of
eruptions.
Officinal Preparations.
Sub-murias hydrargyri, E. L. D.>
Calx hydrargyri alba, L.
404 Materia Medica.
SUB-MURIAS HYDRARGYRI; olim, Calomelas. Ed.
Sub-muriate of Quicksilver ', formerly Calomel.
Hydrargyrum Muriatum Mite Sublimatum. D.
Mild Sublimated Muriated Quicksilver.
Calomelas. L.
Calomel.
Take of
Muriate of quicksilver, ground to powder in a glass mortar,
four ounces;
Purified quicksilver, three ounces.
Rub them together in a glass mortar, with a little water, to pre-
vent the acrid powder from rising, until the mercury be extin-
guished; and having put the powder, after being dried, into an
oblong phial, of which it fills only one third, sublime from
warm sand. After the sublimation is finished, having broken
the phial, throw away both the red matter found near the bot-
tom of the phial, and the white matter near its neck, and sub-
lime the rest of the mass. Grind this into a very minute
powder, which is lastly to be washed with boiling distilled
water. (E.)
When quicksilver is triturated with muriate of quicksilver, it
abstracts from the oxidized quicksilver of the muriate a part of
its oxygen, and the whole mass assumes a blackish grey colour.
When this is exposed to a degree of heat sufficient to convert it
into vapour, the action of the different portions of quicksilver up-
on each other, and upon the muriatic acid, is much more com-
plete: and the whole is converted into a solid white mass, consist-
ing of mercury, in a state of less oxidizement, and combined with
less acid than in the muriate.
The trituration of the muriate of mercury is a very noxious
operation, as it is almost impossible to prevent the finer particles
from rising and affecting the operator's eyes and nostrils. To les-
sen this evil, the Edinburgh college direct the addition of a little
water. In the second part of the process, when the heat is appli-
ed, a small portion of quicksilver and undecomposed muriate
first arise, and condense themselves in the highest part or neck of
the phial; then the sub-muriate rises, and being less volatile, con-
denses in the upper half of the body, while a small quantity of
quicksilver, in a state of considerable oxidizement, remains fixed,
or near the bottom. The Edinburgh college separate the sub-
muriate from the other matters, and sublime it again. The other
colleges triturate the whole together again, and re-sublime it, the
H. — Hydrarg. — Sub-murias Hydrargyri. 405
Dublin college once, the London four times. As in the first sub-
limation, a portion of the quicksilver and of the muriate of quick-
silver always arise undecomposed, a second sublimation is neces-
sary, especially if we triturate the whole products of the first sub-
limation together; but any further repetition of the process is per-
fectly useless. Lest any portion of muriate should have escaped
decomposition, the sub-muriate must be edulcorated with boil-
ing distilled water, until the water which comes off forms no pre-
cipitate with alkalies.
Sub-muriate of mercury is generally obtained in the form of a
white solid mass; but is capable of crystallizing in tetrahedral
prisms terminated by pyramids. It has no taste, and is scarcely
soluble in water or in alcohol. It is less volatile than muriate of
mercury. It is blackened by light, and becomes brown when tri-
turated with limewater or the alkalies. It is converted by oxy-
muriatic acid into muriate of quicksilver. According to Mr.
Chenevix, it consists of
Oxygen!'"' 1.5 } °X,de °f quicksil»r, 88.5
Muriatic acid, 11.5
100
And its oxide contains, Quicksilver, 89.3
Oxygen, 10.7
100.
By comparing this analysis with that of the muriate of mercu-
ry, 54 parts of quicksilver seem in fact sufficient to convert 100
of the muriate into sub-muriate; but with Mr. Chenevix we think
the excess employed by the colleges a useful precaution.
Medical use. — The sub-muriate of quicksilver is one of the best
mercurials we possess. By proper management it may be made
to increase, in a remarkable manner, almost any of the secretions
or excretions. One grain mixed with sugar, and snuffed up the
nostrils, is recommended as a powerful errhine in amaurosis. The
same mixture is blown into the eye, to remove specks from the
cornea. Given in doses of one grain morning and evening, or in
larger doses combined with opium, to prevent it from acting as a
purgative, it excites ptyalism. In larger doses of five grains and
upwards, it is an excellent purgative. Combined with diuretics,
it proves diuretic, and with sudorifics, sudorific.
It is one of the preparations of mercury which is capable of
curing syphilis in every form. It also produces very powerful and
salutary effects in obstructions and chronic inflammations of the
viscera, especially of the liver; and, in general, it is applicable to
everv case in which mercurials are indicated.
406 Materia Medica.
Officinal Preparations.
Pulvis scammonii cum calomelane, L. vide Pulveres.
stibii compositus, D. Idem.
SUB-MURIAS HYDRARGYRI PRjECIPITATUS. Ed.
Precipitated Sub-muriate of Quicksilver.
Hydrargyria Muriatus Mitis. L.
Mild Muriated Quicksilver.
Hydrargyrum Muriatum Mite Pr^cipitatum. D.
Precipitated Mild Muriated Quicksilver.
Take of
Diluted nitrous acid,
Purified quicksilver, each eight ounces;
Muriate of soda, four ounces and a half;
Boiling water, eight pounds.
Mix the quicksilver with the diluted nitrous acid, and towards
the end of the effervescence digest with a gentle heat, frequent-
ly shaking the vessel in the mean time. But it is necessary to
add more quicksilver to the acid than it is capable of dissolv-
ing, that a perfectly saturated solution may be obtained.
Dissolve at the same time the muriate of soda in the boiling wa-
ter, and into this solution pour the other while still hot, and
mix them quickly by agitation, pour off the saline liquor after
the precipitate has subsided, and wash the sub-muriate of
quicksilver by repeated affusions of boiling water, which is to
be poured off each time after the deposition of the sub-muriate
until the water come off tasteless. (E.)
In the first part of this process, a solution of nitrate of quick-
silver, with excess of oxide, is formed. In the second, there is a
mutual decomposition of this nitrate, and of the muriate of soda;
nitrate of soda is formed, and muriate of quicksilver, with excess
of oxide. In this preparation, our object is to obtain the insoluble
compound which results from the combination of the protoxide of
mercury with muriatic acid. In this view, the application of heat
in dissolving the mercury in the nitrous acid, is improper; for a
portion at least of the mercury is converted into its peroxide,
which occasions, in the first place, the formation of a little sub-ni-
trate of mercury, when poured into the saline solution; and se-
condly, the formation of a quantity of muriate of mercury (corro-
sive sublimate) which must be washed away. Accordingly, Mr.
Murray has found much more mild and less corrosive muriate erf
H. — Hydrargyrum. — Sub-mur. H. Prase. 407
mercury is formed when the solution is made slowly and in the
cold, than when the directions of the colleges are complied with.
When properly prepared, the sub-muriate obtained by precipi-
tation scarcely differs from that obtained by sublimation. Got-
tling found no other difference than that the precipitated sub-mu-
riate became grey, when triturated with lime-water, whereas the
sublimed sub-muriate becomes black. But he exposed to heat
half an ounce of the precipitated sub-muriate in a subliming ap-
paratus; scarcely a grain of a reddish matter remained fixed; and
the sublimed matter now became black when triturated with lime-
water and differed in no respect from sub-muriate prepared in the
ordinary way by sublimation. It therefore would seem to be an
improvement in the process, to sublime the sub-muriate after it is
precipitated; especially as by that operation it would be most
effectually separated from any sub-nitrate which might be mixed
with it.
There is still another way of preparing the sub-muriate of mer-
cury, without using corrosive sublimate, which must be noticed.
It was contrived by Hermbstaedt, and is recommended by
Moench with the confidence derived from experience, as the
very best process for preparing the sub-muriate of quicksilver.
Take of
Pure quicksilver, seven ounces and a half;
Sulphuric acid, four ounces;
Dried muriate of soda, five ounces and a half.
Distil in a glass retort the sulphuric acid, with four ounces of the
quicksilver, until they be converted into a dry white mass.
Triturate the sulphate of mercury thus formed, with the re-
maining three ounces and a half of quicksilver, until the glo
bules disappear; then add the muriate of soda; mix them and
sublime. As the product of the first sublimation still contains
unoxidized quicksilver, it is to be again triturated and sub-
limed. The sublimate being washed, is now pure sub-muriate
of quicksilver, and weighs about six ounces.
The theory of this process is the same with that of the forma-
tion of the muriate of quicksilver. The difference between the two
products arises from the proportion of quicksilver being greater,
and that of the muriate of soda employed being less. We are not
prepared to state the comparative economy of the processes de-
scribed, for preparing sub-muriate of quicksilver; but of the
last process, we may observe, that according to Mr. Chenevix's
analysis, seven ounces and a half of quicksilver should furnish nine
ounces and a half of sub-muriate of quicksilver; so that there is
evidently a considerable loss, which must be owing either to the
formation of muriate of quicksilver, or of oxide of quicksilver. T©
408 Materia Medica.
diminish this loss, we might dissolve the residuum of the first sub-
limation, which is principally sulphate of soda, in the water with
which the sublimate Avas washed, and precipitate the solution with
carbonate of soda. We should thus regain the remaining portion
of the quicksilver in the state of brown carbonate, which might be
applied to many purposes. The same thing might be practised
with advantage on the washings and residuums of several of the
other preparations.
CALX HYDRARGYRI ALBA. L.
White Calx of ®>tiicksilvet\
Take of
Muriated quicksilver,
Sal ammoniac,
Water of prepared kali, each half a pound.
Dissolve first the sal ammoniac, afterwards the muriated quick-
silver in distilled water, and add to these the water of prepared
kali. Wash the powder until it becomes insipid. (L.)
When to a solution of muriate of ammonia, there is added
muriate of quicksilver, about thirty times more of the latter is dis-
solved than the same quantity of pure water is capable of dissolv-
ing; and there takes place a considerable increase of tempera-
ture. Now, as these facts sufficiently prove a reciprocal action of
the two salts, and as there is no decomposition, it is evident that
they must have combined to form a triple salt; especially as they
cannot be again separated either by sublimation or crystallization.
This compound may therefore, with propriety, be termed Mu-
riate of Mercury and ammonia. It is the Sal Alembroth of the
alchemists. It is very soluble in water, and is sublimed by heat
without decomposition. When to a solution of this salt we add
a solution of an alkaline carbonate, there occurs a partial decom-
position. The alkali combines with a portion of the muriatic acid;
and reduces the muriate of mercury and ammonia to the state of
a sub-muriate, which, being insoluble, falls to the bottom of the
solution.
The sub-muriate of mercury and ammonia thus precipitated,
has at first an earthy and afterwards a metallic taste. It is not so-
luble in water. It is decomposed by heat; furnishing water, am-
monia, and nitrogen gas, while 0.86 of sub-muriate of mercury
remains behind. Sulphuric and nitric acids partially decompose
it, and convert it into muriate of mercury, and triple salts of mer-
cury and ammonia. Muriatic acid dissolves it, and converts it
H.— Hydrargyrum.— Ox. Hyd. Cinereum. 40.9
into muriate of quicksilver and ammonia. According to Four-
eroy's analysis, it consists of 81 oxide of mercury,
16 muriatic acid,
3 ammonia.
100
Therefore, if the analysis of the different muriates be correct,
there is an unnecessary want of economy in using equal parts of
muriate of ammonia and muriate of mercury; for by calculation,
at least, we should employ only one part of the former to eight
of the latter.
It is only used for ointments; and its principal recommenda-
tion is its fine white colour.
Officinal Preparation.
Unguentum calcis hydrargyri albi, L. vide Unguenta.
OXIDUxM HYDRARGYRI CINEREUM. Ed.
Ash-coloured Oxide of ^hiicksilver.
Pulvis Hydrargyri Cinereus. D.
Ash-coloured Powder of 'Quicksilver.
Take of
Purified quicksilver, four parts;
Diluted nitrous acid, five parts;
Distilled water, fifteen parts;
Water of carbonate of ammonia, a sufficient quantity.
Dissolve the mercury in the nitrous acid; then gradually add the
distilled water, and pour into the mixture as much water of the
carbonate of ammonia as shall be sufficient to precipitate the
whole of the oxide of mercury, which is then to be washed with
pure water and dried. (E.)
This process is intended to furnish a substitute for the black
oxide of quicksilver, on which the efficacv of the mercurials most
frequently employed, and most certainly useful, depends. In
these, the mercury is oxidized by trituration, in contact with the
atmosphere; but this operation is both so tedious and trouble-
some, that it is often imperfectly performed or assisted by im-
proper means.
In the process we are now explaining, it was supposed that as
ammonia has a stronger affinity for nitric acid than oxide of mer-
cury has, it would separate oxide of mercury from its solution in
3F
410 Materia Medica.
nitric acid; and, therefore, that the precipitate obtained was ox-
ide of mercury similar to that formed by trituration. But since
the nature of the triple metalline salts has been better under-
stood, this has been discovered to be an error, although the ex-
act mode of their action is not yet explained. The grey precipi-
tate which is formed, may, speaking generally, be called a sub-
nitrate of mercury and ammonia; for it consists of oxide of mer-
cury and ammonia, not saturated with nitric acid; but even to
ocular inspection it does not seem to be homogeneous; and when
it is digested in acetic acid, it is partially dissolved, and the resi-
duum acquires a very pale, or almost white colour. The portion
dissolved seems to be black oxide, and the white residuum to be
pure sub-nitrate of mercury and ammonia, which, according to
Fourcroy, crystallizes in brilliant polyhedral crystals, without
smell, of an extremely styptic taste, scarcely soluble in water, is
decomposed by heat, by the sulphuric and muriatic acids, and by
lime, potass, and soda, and consists of 68.20 oxide of mercury,
16 of ammonia, and 15.80 of nitric acid. According to these ob-
servations, this preparation ought not to be called the grey ox-
ide of mercury, and is not identical with the black oxide of mer-
cury, prepared by trituration. If, however, it answered the same
purposes, the identity would be of little consequence; but from its
never having been introduced into general use, although so much
more easily prepared, we may presume that it is not equal in
point of efficacy.
Black oxide of mercury may however be obtained, according
to the direction of Saunders, by triturating with lime water, and
subsequent edulcoration, the sublimed sub-muriate of mercury,
or rather the precipitated sub-muriate, as proposed by Gottling;
and that the decomposition may be more easy and complete, we
shall venture to suggest, that for this preparation the latter sub-
muriate should not be dried, but should be triturated with the
lime water as soon as it is edulcorated. This simple black oxide
certainly merits a fair trial.
Officinal Preparation.
Unguentum oxidi hydrargyri ciner. E. - vide Unguenta.
HYDRARGYRUS CUM CRETA. L.
Quicksilver with Chalk.
Take of
Purified quicksilver, three ounces;
Prepared chalk, five ounces.
Triturate them together until the globules disappear. (L.)
H. — Hydrargyrum. — H. Calcinatum. 411
Quicksilver has a strong affinity for oxygen, and absorbs it
slowly from the atmosphere. But the combination may be con-
siderably accelerated by agitation, and still more by triturating
quicksilver with any substance which promotes its mechanical
division, and thus increases its surface. With this view, quick-
silver is triturated with viscid substances, as fats, honey, syrup,
&c. or with pulverulent substances, as the chalk in the present
example.
In this state of oxidizement, quicksilver contains about 0.04
of oxygen according to Fourcroy, is soluble in acids without the
extrication of nitrous gas, and is easily reduced by heat, and even
by light.
The black oxide is the mildest, but at the same time the most
efficacious of the preparations of mercury. Combined with chalk
it is not in general use; but in the form of the common mercurial
pill and ointment, it is more employed than any other prepara*
tions of the same metal except calomel.
HYDRARGYRUM CUM MAGNESIA. Dub.
Quicksilver zvith Magnesia*
Take of
Quicksilver,
Magnesia, each one ounce;
Manna, half an ounce.
Triturate the quicksilver with manna, in an earthen-ware mor»-
tar, adding some drops of water, to give the mixture the con-
sistence of a syrup, until the metallic globules become no
longer visible. Then add, with constant trituration, a drachm
of the magnesia.
After they are thoroughly mixed, rub into them a pint of warm
water, and shake the mixture: then let the liquor rest, and
decant from the sediment as soon as it subsides. Repeat this
Washing twice, that the manna may be totally washed away,
and, with the sediment still moist, mix the remainder of the
magnesia. Lastly, dry the powder on blotting paper. D.
HYDRARGYRUM CALCINATUM. L. D.
Calcined Quicksilver.
Take of
Purified quicksilver, any quantity.
Put it into an open glass vessel, with a narrow mouth and wide
bottom. Expose this to about the six-hundredth degree of
heat, until the metal be converted into red scales. (L. D.)
4 1 2 Materia Medic a .
This is an extremely tedious, and therefore expensive, opera-
tion, because mercury is incapable of absorbing from the atmos-
phere the quantity of oxygen necessary to convert it into the red
oxide, except when in the state of vapour. But as the form of a
vessel, which will prevent the dissipation and loss of the mercurial
vapour, will at the same time hinder the free access and frequent
renewal of the air, the operation can only proceed slowly. The
vessel most advantageously employed, is a wide, flat-bottomed
matrass, with a very narrow, and almost capillary neck. Only so
much mercury is introduced into it as will cover the bottom of
the matrass; and the vessel is not inserted in the sand deeper
than the mercury stands within it. A degree of heat is then ap-
plied sufficient to cause a gentle ebullition in the mercury, which
is thus alternately converted into vapour, and condensed again
in the upper part of the vessel. While in the state of vapour, it
absorbs the oxygen of the air contained in the vessel: by which
means it is gradually changed into a black, and then into a red,
powder; but a complete conversion into the latter state is not ef-
fected in less than several months.
Red oxide of quicksilver thus prepared, consists of small crys-
talline grains, of a deep red colour, and very brilliant sparkling
appearance. By heat it may be sublimed in the form of a beauti-
ful ruby-coloured vitrified substance. At a red heat it is decom-
posed, giving out oxygen gas, while the metal is revived, and is
immediately volatilized. It is soluble in several of the acids; and
during its solution it does not decompose them or water. It is
easily disoxidized. It contains about 0.1 oxygen.
It is not only an acrid substance, violently purgative and
emetic, but even caustic and poisonous. Its internal use is pro-
scribed; but it is applied externally as an escharotic, being pre-
viously triturated to a very fine powder; or it is formed into a
stimulating ointment with unctuous substances.
OXIDUM HYDRARGYRI RUBRUM per ACIDUM NI-
TRICUM; olim, Mercurius Pr^cipitatus Ruber. Ed.
Red Oxide of ^iiichilver by Nitric Acid, formerly Red Precipi-
tated Men ury.
Hydrargyria Nitratus Ruber. L.
Red Nitrated Quicksilver.
Hydrargyrum Sub-Nitratum. D.
Sub-nitrated §>uicksihev.
Take of .
Purified quicksilver, one pound;
Diluted nitrous acid, sixteen ounces.
H. — Hydrargyrum. — Sub-Sulph. H. Flav. 41S
Dissolve the quicksilver, and evaporate the solution, with a
gentle heat, to a dry white mass; which, after being ground
into powder, is to be put into a glass cucurbit, and to have
a thick glass plate laid upon its surface. Then, having adap-
ted a capital, and placed the vessel in a sand bath, apply a
gradually increased heat, until the matter be converted into
very red scales. (E )
In the first part of this process a fully saturated nitrate of mer-
cury is formed. In the second part, the metal is oxidized to the
maximum by the decomposition of the acid. When a sufficient
heat is applied, the nitrate of mercury first melts, then exhales
nitric oxide gas, and changes its colour successively to yellow,
orange, and brilliant purple red. If well prepared, it should have
a crystalline scaly appearance; and it is entirely volatile at a red
heat, and soluble without any residuum in nitrous acid. Accord-
ing to Fourcroy, it contains no nitrous acid, unless a sufficient
heat has not been applied; but according to most other chemists
it contains some nitrous acid; and differs from the red oxide pre-
pared by the action of heat alone, in always being more acrid.
Officinal Preparation.
Unguentum oxydi hydrargyri rubri, E. vide Unguenta**
SUB-SULPHAS HYDRARGYRI FLAVUS;
olim, TURPETHUM MlNERALE. Ed.
Yellow Sub-Sulphate of Quicksilver, formerly Turpeth Mineral.
Hydrargyria Vitriolatus. L.
Hydrargyrum Sub-Vitriolatum. D.
Vitriolated ^iiicksilver. Sub- Vitriolated Qiiicksiher.
Take of
Purified quicksilver, four ounces;
Sulphuric acid, six ounces.
Put them into a glass cucurbit, and boil them in a sand bath to
dryness. Throw into boiling water the white matter, which is
left in the bottom, after having reduced it to powder. A yel-
low powder will immediately be produced, which must be fre-
quently washed with warm water. (E.)
The action of sulphuric acid on mercury has been exai?
with considerable attention by Fourcroy. In the cold they have
no action on each other, but on the application of heat, the sul-
phuric acid begins to be decomposed, sulphureous acid . \
414 Materia Medica.
extricated, and the metal is oxidized, and combines with the un-
decomposed acid, forming with it a white saline mass, covered
with a colourless fluid. In this state it reddens vegetable blues,
is acrid and corrosive, does not become yellow by the contact of
the air, and is not decomposed bv water either warm or cold. It
is therefore super-sulphate of quicksilver, and the proportion of
the acid in excess is variable.
By washing the saline mass repeatedly with small quantities
of water, it is at last rendered perfectly neutral. It no longer
reddens vegetable blues. It is white; it crystallizes in plates, or
fine prismatic needles; it is not very acrid; it is not decomposed
either by cold or boiling water: but is soluble in 500 parts of the
former, and in about 250 of the latter. It is much more soluble
in water acidulated with sulphuric acid. The sulphate of quick-
silver consists of 75 quicksilver, 8 oxygen, 12 sulphuric acid,
and 5 water.
But if, instead of removing the excess of acid from the super-
sulphate of quicksilver, by washing it with water, we continue
the action of the heat according to the directions of the colleges,
there is a copious evolution of sulphureous acid gas, and the sa-
line residuum is converted into a white mass, which therefore
evidently contains both a larger proportion of mercury, and in a
state of greater oxidizement, than the salt from which it was
formed. But this white saline mass is farther analysed by the af-
fusion of hot water; for one portion of it is dissolved, while the
remainder assumes the form of a beautiful yellow powder. The
portion dissolved is said to contain excess of acid. The yellow
powder is, on the contrary, a sub-sulphate.
The sub-sulphate of quicksilver has a bright yellow colour, a
considerably acrid taste, is soluble in 2000 parts of cold water,
is also soluble in sulphuric acid, slightly diluted, and is decom-
posed by the nitric acid, and forms muriate of quicksilver with
the muriatic acid, while the neutral sulphate forms sub-muriate.
It oxidizes quicksilver, and is converted by trituration with it
into a black powder. At a red heat it gives out oxygen gas, and
the metal is revived. It consists of 76 mercury, 11 oxygen, 10
sulphuric acid, and 3 water.
It is a strong emetic, and with this intention operates the most
powerfully of all the mercurials that can be safely given internally.
Its action, however, is not confined to the prima vis; it will
sometimes excite a salivation, if a purgative be not taken soon
after it. This medicine is used chiefly in virulent gonorrhoeas, and
other venereal cases, where there is a great flux of humours to the
parts. Its chief use at present is in swellings of the testicle from a
venereal affection; and it seems not only to act as a mercurial, but
also, by the severe vomiting it occasions, to perform the office of
a discutient, by accelerating the motion of the blood in the parts
H. — Hydrargyrum.— Sulphuret. H. Nig. 415
affected. It is said likewise to have been employed with success,
in robust constitutions, against leprous disorders, and obstinate
glandular obstructions: the dose is from two grains to six or eighth
It may be given in doses of a grain or two as an alterative and
diaphoretic. Dr Hope, senior, has found, that, in doses of one
grain, with a little powder of liquorice root, it forms a very con-
venient errhine.
This medicine was lately recommended as the most effectual
preservative against the hydrophobia.
On the whole, however, we consider it as a superfluous pre-
paration, whose place may be more safely supplied by other mer-
curials or emetics.
SULPHURETUM HYDRARGYRI NIGRUM;
Olim, jEthiops Mineralis. Ed.
Hydrargyria cum Sulphure. L.
Hydrargyrum Sulphuratum Nigrum. D.
Black Sulphuret of Quicksilver^ formerly JEthiops Mineral,
Take of
Purified quicksilver,
Sublimed sulphur, of each, equal weights.
Grind them together in a glass mortar with a glass pestle, till the
mercurial globules totally disappear. (E. L. D.)
It is also prepared with twice the quantity of quicksilver. Ed.
This process, simple as it appears, is not, even in the present
advanced state of chemistry, perfectly understood. It was for-
merly imagined, that the quicksilver was merely mechanically
divided, and intimately mixed with the sulphur. But that they
are really chemically united, is indisputably proved by the inso-
lubility of the compound in nitrous acid. Fourcroy is of opinion,
that during the trituration, the mercury absorbs oxygen, and is
converted into the black oxide, and that in this state it is slightly
combined with the sulphur. The editors of Gren also suppose it
to be in the state of black oxide, but that it is combined with hy-
droguretted sulphur; and they direct a little water to be added
during the trituration, that by its decomposition it may facilitate
the process.
The black sulphuret of quicksilver, thus prepared by tritura-
tion, has a pulverulent form, is insoluble in nitric acid, is totally
soluble in a solution of potass, and is precipitated unchanged from
this solution, by acids. It is not altered by exposure to the air;
and when heated in an open vessel, it emits sulphureous acid gas.
416 Materia Medica.
acquires a dark violet colour, and, lastly, sublimes in a brilliant
red mass, composed of crystalline needles.
The combination of quicksilver with sulphur may be much
more speedily effected by the assistance of heat, by pouring the
mercury, previously heated, upon the sulphur in a state of fusion,
and stirring them until they cool, and form a consistent mass,
which mav be afterwards powdered. The sulphuret prepared by
fusion, differs, however, from that prepared by trituration; for it
is not soluble in a solution of potass, but is converted by long
ebullition in it into the red sulphuret, and it also reddens spon-
taneously in course of time from the action of the air.
Black sulphuret of mercury may be also prepared in the humid
way, as it is called, by precipitation, or even by direct solution.
According to Berthollet, mercury agitated with sulphuretted hy-
droguret of ammoma, forms a black sulphuret exactly resembling
that prepared by trituration; but if hydroguretted sulphuret of
ammonia be used, the black precipitate formed gradually assumes
a red colour, and the solution contains sulphuretted hydroguret
of ammonia. The same phenomena take place with all the mer-
curial salts.
As a medicine, black sulphuret of quicksilver possesses no very
conspicuous effects. It is principally used as an alterative in
glandular affections, and in cutaneous diseases. It has been com-
monly given in doses of from 5 to 10 grains; but even in doses of
several drachms, and continued for a considerable length of time,
it has scarcely produced any sensible effect.
HYDRARGYRUM SULPHURATUM RUBRUM;
Olim, Cinnabaris Factitia. L. D.
Red Sulphuretted §>iucksUver, formerly Factitious Cinnabar.
Take of
Quicksilver purified, forty ounces;
Sulphur, eight ounces.
Mix the quicksilver with the melted sulphur; and if the mixture
take fire, extinguish it by covering the vessel; afterwards re-
duce the mass to powder and sublime it. (L. D.)
As soon as the mercury and sulphur begin to unite, a conside-
rable explosion frequently happens, and the mixture is very apt to
take fire, especially if the process be somewhat hastily conducted.
This accident the operator will have previous notice of, from the
matter swelling up, and growing suddenly consistent; as soon as
this happens, the vessel must be immediately close covered.
During the sublimation, care must be had tliat the matter does
not rise into the neck of the vessel, so as to block up and burst
H. — Hydrargyrum. — Hyd. Sulph. Rubr. 417
the glass. To prevent this, a wide-necked bolt head, or rather an
oval earthen jar, coated, should be chosen for the subliming ves-
sel. If the former be employed, it will be convenient to introduce
at times an iron wire, somewhat heated, in order to be the bet-
ter assured that the passage is not blocking up; the danger of
which may be prevented by cautiously raising the vessel higher
from the fire.
If the ingredients be pure, there is no residuum. In such cases,
the sublimation mav be known to be over, bv introducing a wire
as before, and feeling with it the bottom of the vessel, which will
then be perfectly smooch: if any roughness or inequalities be per-
ceived, either the mixture was impure, or the sublimation is not
completed; if the latter be the case, the wire will soon be covered
over with the rising cinnabar.
The preparers of cinnabar in large quantities, employ earthen
jars, which in shape pretty much resemble an egg. These are of
different sizes, according to the quantity intended to be made at
one sublimation, which sometimes amounts to two hundred
weight. The jar is usually coated from the small end almost to
the middle, to prevent its breaking from the vehemence or irre-
gularity of the fire. The greater part, which is placed uppermost,
not being received within the furnace, has no occasion for this
defence. The whole secret, with regard to this process, is the
management of the fire, which should be so strong as to keep the
matter continually subliming to the upper part of the jar, without
coming out at its mouth, which is covered with an iron plate.
Care should also be taken to put into the subliming vessel only
small quantities of the mixture at a time.
When taken out of the subliming vessels, the red sulphuret of
quicksilver is a hrilliant crystalline mass, and first acquires its very
rich colour when reduced to the form of a fine powder by tritu-
ration. It has neither smell nor taste, and is insoluble in water
and in alcohol. In close vessels it sublimes entirely unchanged,
but requires for this purpose a pretty great degree of heat. It is
not soluble in any acid, and is only decomposed by the nitro-mu-
riatic, which dissolves the quicksilver, and separates the sulphur.
It is not decomposed by boiling it with solutions of the alkalies,
but is decomposed by melting it with potass, soda, lime, iron, lead,
copper, antimony, and several other metals. Proust has proved it
to consist of 85 quicksilver, and 14 or 14* sulphur, and that the
quicksilver is not oxidized to a maximum, as had been falsely
supposed, but in its metallic state. His analysis is confirmed by
the other methods by which cinnabar may be prepared. Thus, the
black sulphuret of quicksilver by fusion is converted into the red
sulphuret, by boiling it in a solution of potass, which can only act
by dissolving the sulphuretted hydrogen and superfluous sulphur.
Sub-muriate, or sub-sulphate of mercury, sublimed with sulphur,
3G
41£ Materia Medica.
furnish red sulphuret of mercury, and muriate^ or sulphate, of
mercury.
Medical use, — Red sulphuret of quicksilver is sometimes used
in fumigations against venereal ulcers in the nose, mouth and
throat. Half a drachm of it burnt, the fume being imbibed with
the breath, has occasioned a violent salivation. This effect is by
no means owing to the medicine as a sulphuret; for when set on
fire, it is no longer such, but mercury resolved into vapour, and
blended with the sulphureous acid gas; in which circumstances
this mineral has very powerful effects.
Mr. Pearson, from his experiments on mercurial fumigation,
concludes, that where checking the progress of the disease sud-
denly is an object of great moment, and where the body is covered
with ulcers or large and numerous eruptions, and, in general, to
ulcers, fungi, and excrescences, the vapour of mercury is an ap-
plication of great efficacy and utility; but that it is apt to induce a
ptyalism rapidly, and great consequent debility, and that for the
purpose of securing the constitution against a relapse, as great a
quantity of mercury must be introduced into the system, by in-
unction, as if no fumigation had been employed.
PHOSPHAS HYDRARGYRI.
Mercurius Phospiioratus.
Phosphate of Mercury.
Take of
Sulphuric acid, eight ounces;
Water, four pounds.
Mix them carefully in a capacious glass vessel, and add
White calcined bones powdered, 14 ounces.
Place the vessel in a temperature of 60° for three days to digest,
stirring the mixture frequently with a glass rod, then filter the
whole through fine linen, washing the residuum with distilled
water till completely edulcorated. Evaporate to dryness, and
dissolve in the smallest possible quantity of luke-warm water,
by which a considerable portion of gypsum will remain undis-
solved. After straining off all the liquor, again dilute with
distilled water and a solution of the purest potass, till it be com-
pletely saturated. The small portion of gypsum still held in
solution will thus be decomposed, and some calcareous earth
precipitated, which must be separated-by filtration. Evaporate to
a proper consistence, and expose in a cool place to crystallize. A
small portion of vitriolated tartar first appears from the decom-
position of the gypsum; but if the liquor be again evaporated^ the
H. — Hydrastis Canadensis. 419
phosphorated potass will be produced in rhomboidal prismatic
crystals. Dissolve these in distilled water, and decompose by a
super-saturated solution of mercury in the nitric acid. The pre-
cipitate after complete edulcoration with warm distilled water
should be slowly dried, and is the purest phosphate of mercury.
The above is Bergmann's method of procuring the phosphate
•f mercury. It may be also obtained, by adding phosphoric acid
in a liquid form to a solution of mercury in nitric acid.*
Phosphate of mercury is a very active preparation, and re-
quires to be used with great caution, as it is otherwise apt to pro-
duce nausea, violent vomiting, ptyalism, &c. even in doses not
exceeding half a grain. The following formula is employed to
prevent these effects.
Take of
Phosphate of mercury, four grains;
Powdered cinnamon, fourteen grains;
White sugar, half a drachm.
Mix and make into eight powders, of which one is to be taken
every morning and evening, unless ptyalism is induced, when
it must be suspended. Some bear from one to two grains with-
out inconvenience.
This remedy heals inveterate venereal ulcers in a short time,
especially such as are seated about the pudenda. In venereal in-
flammations of the eyes, chancres, rheumatisms and chronic erup-
tions, it has proved of eminent service. It is on the whole, a valu-
able medicine in the hands of a judicious practitioner.
It is particularly preferable over other mercurial preparations
in an inveterate stage of syphilis, especially in persons of torpid
insensible fibres; in cases of exostosis, as well as of obstructions
in the lymphatic system; and in chronic complaints of the skin.
&c.f
HYDRASTIS CANADENSIS.
Yellow Root.
This is a common plant in various parts of the United States.
The root is a very powerful bitter. When dried, it has a string
and virose smell. A spiritous infusion of the root is employed as
a tonic bitter in the western parts of Pennsylvania. A cold infu-
* An easier method appears to be the union of a solution of phosphate of soda,
and nitrate of mercury. The superior affinity of the nitric acid to soda, causes it
to leave the mercury, 'whilst the phosphoric acid unites with the mercury in
the form of a fine white precipitate, which is the phosphate of mercury, and
which must be thoroughly edulcorated with boiling distilled water. Am. Edit f
f London Medical and Physical Journal.
420 Materia Medica.
sion of the root in water is also used as a wash in inflammation
of the eyes. The Cherokee Indians employ a plant in the cure of
cancer, which is thought to be the Hydrastis. The root supplies
us with a most brilliant yellow colour, which will probably be
found a most valuable dve.*
HYOSCYAMUS NIGER. Herba. Semen. Ed.
Hyoscyamus. D.
Black Henbane. The herb and seeds.
Willd. g. 378. sp. 1. — Pentandria Monogynia. — Nat. ord. Sola-
nacece.
Henbane is a biennial plant, which grows in great abundance
in most parts of Britain.
The smell of the hyoscyamus is strong and peculiar: and the
leaves when bruised emit somewhat of the odour of tobacco. This
smell is still stronger when the leaves are burnt; and on burning
they sparkle with a deflagration somewhat resembling that of ni-
tre: but to the taste they show no evident saline impregnation.
When chewed, they are insipid, mild, and mucilaginous: yet when
taken to any great extent, they produce the most alarming effects.
They give the appearances of intoxication, attended with wild de-
lirium, remarkable dilatation of the pupils of the eyes, and convul-
sions. It often produces sweat, and sometimes an eruption of pus-
tules over the surface, and generally sound sleep, succeeded by
serenity of mind, and recruited vigour of the body: but like the
other narcotics, instead of these, it sometimes gives rise to vertigo
headach and general uneasiness. With particular individuals it oc-
casions vomiting, colic pains, a copious flow of urine, and some-
times purging. Upon the whole, like opium, it is a powerful ano-
dyne; and like cicuta, it is free from any constipating effect,
having rather a tendency to move the belly.
Medical use. — From these effects, it is not surprising that
hyoscyamus should have been introduced into the practice of
medicine; and accordingly, it appears to have been used both
externally and internally for a variety of purposes. Several dif-
ferent species of the hyoscyamus were formerly employed, as
appears from the writings of Dioscorides and others. Celsus, in
particular, was very fond of this medicine; he used it externally
as a collyrium in cases of ophthalmia: he employed it topically
for allaying the pain of toothach; and he gave it internally, both
* Burton's Collections, Part I. p. 9. Part II* p. 13.
H. — Hypericum Perforatum. 421
with the view of mitigating other pains, and of producing quiet
sleep.
For a considerable length of time, however, hyoscyamus fell
almost into disuse; but the employment of it has of late been
revived by Dr. Stork of Vienna; and it has been used both by
him, and by many other practitioners in those cases where an.
anodyne is requisite, and where there are objections to the use
of opium. It is employed for resolving swelling, and allaying
pain in cases of scirrhus, under the form of cataplasm of the
leaves, or of a plaster made from the oil of the seeds and pow-
der of the herb, with wax, turpentine, and other articles; or of
ointment made of the powder of the leaves with hogslard. In
open ulcers, the powder of the leaves, sprinkled on the part, has
often a good effect.
An extract from the leaves, or from the seeds, is the form in
which it is given internally; but contrary to what happens with
cicuta, the former appears to be the most powerful. This extract
has been given with advantage in a variety of nervous affections,
as mania, melancholia, epilepsy, hysteria, &c; in glandular
swellings, in obstinate ulcerations; and in every case where it is
necessary either to allay inordinate action, or mitigate pain. In
accomplishing these ends, it is often no less useful than opium;
and it frequently succeeds where opium produces very disagree-
able effects. The dose of this extract must be accommodated to
the circumstances of the case and of the patient; and it has been
increased from half a grain to half a drachm in the day; for like
opium, its influence is very much diminished by habit.
Officinal PnEPARArioss.
Succus spissatus hyoscyami nigri, E. - vide Succi sfrissati.
Tinctura hyoscyami nigri, E. - - Tinctures.
HYPERICUM PERFORATUM. Hypericum. Flos. L.
Common St. Johrts-xvort. The flower.
Polyadelphia Polyandria. — Nat. ord. Ascyroidecc.
This plant is perennial, and grows wild in woods and unculti-
vated places in Britain. Its taste is rough and bitterish, and its
smell disagreeable. It abounds with vesicles, containing a trans-
parent matter, so that when viewed, by holding the plant between
the eye and the light, they resemble perforations. From the fresh
flower buds, a red juice may be expressed, which imparts its co-
lour to alcohol, water and fixed oils. The red colour of the infu-
sion is brightened by acids, and is changed to black by sulphate
ef iron. Neumann got from 480 grains, 300 of watery, and 40 of
422 Materia Medica.
alcoholic, extract, and inversely 240 alcoholic, and 120 watery.
Nothing considerable arose in distillation with either water or
alcohol.
HYSSOPUS OFFICINALIS. Herba. Ed.
Hyssopus. Folia. D.
Hyssop* The herb.
Willd* g. 1096. sp. 1. — Didynamia Gymnospermia. — Nat. ord.
Verticillatce.
Hyssop is a perennial herb, which grows wild in Germany.
The leaves of hyssop have an aromatic smell, and a warm
pungent taste. Their virtues depend entirely on an essential oil
which rises in distillation both with water and alcohol. Besides
the general virtues of aromatics, they were formerly recom-
mended in humoral asthmas, coughs, and other disorders of the
breast and lungs, and were said to promote expectoration,
i. j:
[CHTHYOCOLLA. - Fide Accipenser.
%
INFUSA— INFUSIONS.
We have already explained the sense in which we employ the
term infusion. We confine it to the action of a menstruum, not
assisted by ebullition, on any substance consisting of heterogene-
ous principles, some of which are soluble, and others insoluble, in
that menstruum. The term is generally used in a more exten-
sive, but we are inclined to think, a less correct, sense: thus, lime-
water and the mucilages, which are commonly classed with the
infusions, are instances of simple solution, and the chalk mixture
is the mechanical suspension of an insoluble substance. When
the menstruum used is water, the solution is termed simply an
infusion; but when the menstruum is alcohol, it is called a tinc-
ture; when wine or vinegar, a medicated wine or vinegar. Infu-
sions in water are extremely apt to spoil, and are generally ex-
temporaneous preparations.
I.— Infusa. 223
INFUSUM CINCHONA OFFICINALIS. Ed.
Infusion of Cinchona Bark.
Infusuv Cokticis Peruviani. D.
Infusion of Peruvian Bark.
Take of
Peruvian bark in powder, one ounce;
Water, one pound.
Macerate for twenty-four hours, and filter. (E.)
This is a very elegant form of exhibiting the active principles
of cinchona bark, and that in which it will sit lightest on weak and
delicate stomachs. The residuum of the cold infusion may be
afterwards employed in making other preparations, especially the
extract, for its virtues are by no means exhausted. But it must
never be dried and sold, or exhibited in substance, for that would
be a culpable fraud.
INFUSUM DIGITALIS PURPUREA. Ed.
Infusion of Foxglove.
Take of
Dried leaves of foxglove, one drachm;
Boiling water, eight ounces;
Spirit of cinnamon, one ounce.
Macerate for four hours, and filter. (E.)
This is the infusion so highly recommended by Withering.
Half an ounce, or an ounce of it, may be taken twice a-day in drop-
sical complaints. The spirit of cinnamon is added to improve its
flavour, and to counteract its sedative effects.
INFUSUM GENTIANiE LUTEiE COMPOSITUM;
vulgo, Infusum Am a rum. Ed.
Compound Infusion of Gentian, or Bitter Infusion.
Infusum Gentians Compositum! L. D.
Compound Infusion of Gentian.
Take of x
Bruised gentian root, half an ounce; /
Dried peel of Seville oranges, one drachn/;
Coriander seeds, half a drachm;
Diluted alcohol, four ounces;
Water, one pound.
424 Materia Medica.
First pour on the alcohol, and three hours thereafter add the
water; then macerate without heat for twelve hours, and strain.
This infusion is an extremely good bitter, and is of great
service in all cases where bitters in general are necessary. It
strengthens the stomach, and increases the appetite; besides act-
ing as a tonic on the other parts of the body, and on the vascular
system.
INFUSUM MENTHA COMPOSITUM. Dub.
Compound Infusion of Mint.
Take of
The leaves of spearmint, dried, two drachms;
Boiling water, as much as will afford six ounces of the infu-
sion, when filtered.
Digest for half an hour, in a covered vessel; strain the liquor
when cold, and then add of
Double refined sugar, two drachms;
Oil of spearmint, three drops, dissolved in
Compound tincture of cardamums, half an ounce. Mix.
This infusion is slightly stimulating and diaphoretic, and
forms a very agreeable herb-tea, which may be used in any
quantity in diet, or as a vehicle for more active remedies.
INFUSUM MIMOSjE CATECHU; vulgo, Infusum Japo-
nicum. Ed.
Infusion of Catechu, commonly called Japonic Infusion.
Take of
Extract of catechu, two drachms and a half;
Cinnamon, half a drachm;
Boiling water, seven ounces;
Simple syrup, one ounce.
Macerate the extract and cinnamon in the hot water, in a covered
vessel, for two hours, then strain it, and add the syrup. (E.)
Extract of catechu is almost pure tannin. This infusion is
therefore a powerfully astringent solution. The cinnamon and
syrup render it a very agreeable medicine, which will be found
serviceable in fluxes proceeding from a laxity of the intestines.
Its dose is a spoonful or two every other hour. As this prepara-
tion will not keep above a day or two, it must always be made
extemporaneously. The two hours' maceration, therefore, be-
I.— Infusa. 425
e
1
virtues of the medicine.
eomes very often extremely inconvenient; but it may be prepared
in a few minutes by boiling, without in the least impairing the
INFUSUM RHEI PALMATI. Ed.
Infusion of Rhubarb.
Take of
Rhubarb, half an ounce;
Boiling water, eight ounces;
Spirit of cinnamon, one ounce.
Macerate the rhubarb in a close vessel with the water, for twelve
hours; then having added the spirit, strain the liquor. (E.)
This appears to be one of the best preparations of rhubarb,
when designed as a purgative; water extracting its virtues more
effectually than either vinous or spiritous menstrua.
INFUSUM ROS.E GALLICS. Ed.
Infusum RosvE. L.
Infusion of Roses.
Infusum Rosarum; olim, Tinctura Rosarum. D.
Infusion of Roses, formerly Tincture of Roses.
Take of
The petals of red roses, dried, one ounce;
Boiling water, five pounds;
Sulphuric acid, one drachm;
White sugar, two ounces.
Macerate the petals with the boiling water in an earthen vessel,
which is not glazed with lead, for four hours; then having
poured on the acid, strain the liquor, and add the sugar.
In this infusion the rose leaves have very little effect, except in
giving the mixture an elegant red colour. Its sub-acid and as-
tringent virtues depend entirely on the sulphuric acid. Alto-
gether, however, it is an elegant medicine, and forms a very
grateful addition to juleps in hemorrhagies, and in all cases
which require mild coolers and sub-astringents: it is sometimes
taken with boluses or electuaries of the bark, and likewise makes
a good gargle.
3H
426 Materia Medica.
INFUSUM SENNjE SIMPLEX. L.
Simple Infusion of Senna,
Infusum Senn,£. D.
Infusion of Senna,
Take of
Senna, six drachms;
Ginger, powdered, half a drachm;
Boiling water, ten ounces.
Macerate them for an hour, in a covered vessel, then filter. (D.)
This is a very elegant infusion of senna, the ginger acting as an
useful corrigent. But if the senna were employed to the quan-
tity of a drachm and a half, or two drachms only, in place of the
quantity here ordered, it would be more convenient, as it is of
advantage that it should be used fresh as here prepared. Of the
present infusion, an ounce or two is a sufficient dose.
INFUSUM SENNiE TARTARISATUM. L.
Tartar is ed Infusion of Senna,
Take of
Senna, one ounce and a half;
Coriander seeds, bruised, half an ounce;
Crystals of tartar, two drachms;
Distilled water, one pint.
Dissolve the crystals of tartar by boiling in the water; then pour
the liquor, as yet boiling, on the senna and seeds. Macerate for
an hour in a covered vessel, and strain when cold. (L.)
The addition of the super-tartrate of potass renders the taste
of the senna less unpleasant, and also promotes its action.
INFUSUM TAMARINDI INDICI CUM CASSIA
SENNA. Ed,
Infusion of Tamarinds and Senna,
Take of
Preserved tamarinds, one ounce;
Senna, one drachm;
Coriander seeds, half a drachm;
Brown sugar, half an ounce;
Boiling water, eight ounces. (
I. — Inula Helenium. 427
Macerate them for four hours, occasionally agitating them, in a
close earthen vessel, not glazed with lead, and strain the liquor.
It may also be made with double, triple, &c. the quantity of sen-
na. (E.)
This forms a mild and useful purge, excellently suited for de-
licate stomachs, and inflammatory diseases. The taste of the sen-
na is well covered by the aromatic sugar and by the acidity of
the tamarinds.
INFUSUM VALERIANA. Dub.
Infusion of Valerian,
Take of
Valerian root, in coarse powder, two drachms;
Boiling water, seven ounces, by measure;
Digest for half an hour, and strain it when cold.
Valerian tea is a very excellent antispasmodic, and often
proves serviceable in hysteric cases, where the stomach will not
bear the powder in substance.
INULA HELENIUM. Enula Campana. Radix. L. D.
Elecampane. The root.
Syngenesia Superflua. — Nat. ord. Composite? radiatce.
This is a very large downy perennial plant, sometimes found
wild in moist rich soils. The root, especially when dry, has an
agreeable aromatic smell: its taste, on first chewing, is glutinous
and as it were somewhat rancid; in a little time it discovers an
aromatic bitterness, which by degrees becomes considerably acrid
and pungent.
Neumann got from 480 grains of the dry root 390 watery, and
5 alcoholic extract, and inversely 150 alcoholic, and 300 watery.
In distillaiion alcohol elevated nothing; but the distilled water
was first observed by Geoffroy to be milky, and mixed with floc-
culi of a cineritious concrete volatile oil, partly swimming, and
partly sinking in the water. He also ascertained that it was fu-
sible, and compares it to camphor or benzoic acid. Neumann
likewise examined it, and considers it as a peculiar substance,
having some resemblance to camphor. He found that it melts
with a gentle heat, and when cold, appears softer and more unc-
tuous; that it never assumes a crystalline form, but when dry
proves opaque and crumbly; that laid on burning coals it totally
exhales, that it is soluble in alcohol, but insoluble in water; and
that by keeping it gradually loses the smell of elecampane*
428 Materia Medica.
Medical use, — It is a gently stimulating medicine, nearly simi-
lar in its action to angelica. The extract is merely a slight bitter>
as the essential oil is totally dissipated in the preparation.
IPECACUANHA. - Vide Cephaelis,
IRIS.
Willd. g. 97. Triandria Monogynia. — Nat. ord. Ensatoe.
IRIS FLORENTINA. Sp. 7. Radix. Ed.
Iris. L.
Florentine Orris. The root.
This is a perennial plant, a native of the south of Europe. The
dried roots are imported from Italy. They are white, flattish,
knotty, and have a very slightly bitter taste, and an agreeable
smell, resembling that of violets.
Neumann got from 480 parts, 77 alcoholic, and afterwards 100
watery, and inversely 180 watery, and 8 alcoholic. The distilled
water smells a little of the root, but exhibits no appearance of
oil. They are chiefly used as a perfume.
Officinal Preparation.
Trochisci amyli, L. - - vide Trochisci.
IRIS PSEUDACORUS. Sp. 24. Iris. Radix. D.
Water-flag. The root.
This plant is perennial, and grows in great abundance by the
brinks of rivers, and in other watery places: the root has an acrid
taste; and when fresh, is strongly cathartic.
Medical use. — The expressed juice, given to the quantity of
sixty or eighty drops every hour or two, and occasionally in-
creased, has been productive of very copious evacuations, "after
jalap, gamboge, and other strong purgatives had proved ineffec-
tual; and it is in this form only that it is" used; for by drying, it
entirely loses its purgative effects.
We have here another proof of the necessity of denominating
I. — Juglans Regia. 429
the officinal vegetables by their systematic names; for in England,
Radix Iridis is a pleasant perfume, in Ireland a drastic purgative;
and as consultations are not unfrequently sent from the one coun-
try to the other, ignorance of this circumstance might give rise to
unpleasant consequences.
Some of our native species of Iris, are powerful cathartics; as
the Iris Versicolor and Verna; they are used by the southern
Indians. *
ISIS NOBILIS. Corallium Rubrum. L.
Red Cor at
fm
D.
Koraalen.
P.
Coral.
DA.
Koraller.
POL.
Koralki, Koralii
F.
Corail.
R.
Korallii.
G.
Kor alien.
S.
Coral.
I.
Corale.
sw.
Koraller.
This is the axis of a zoophyte of the order of ceratophyta. It
is found only in the Mediterranean sea, and the sentient flesh is
rubbed off by means of pumice-stone. The coral thus prepared is
of a scarlet or pale red colour, and susceptible of a high polish.
As an article in medicine, it is to be regarded merely as an in-
durated carbonate of lime.
Officinal Preparations.
Corallium praeparatum, L. - vide Carbonas calcis prceparatus.
Pulv. chelar. cancror. comp. L. - Pulveres.
JALAPA. - - - ride Convolvulus.
JUGLANS REGIA. Juglans. Fructus Immaturus. L.
The Walnut-tree* The unripe Fruit.
Monoecia Polyandria. — Nat. ord. Amentacece.
This beautiful tree, although a native of Persia, grows to a
very large size, and produces ripe fruit in most parts of England.
The fruit consists of a thick, fleshv, green, smooth rind, which
incloses the proper nut. When unripe, they have a peculiar
smell, and a bitterish astringent taste.
Medical use They have been supposed to possess tonic and
anthelmintic virtues. The green rind has been celebrated as a
* Barton's Collections, Part I. p. ,°>1
430 Materia Medica.
powerful anti-venereal remedy; but it possesses no real anti-sy-
phylitic virtues, although it forms a very useful addition to the
compound decoction of sarsaparilla, where pains of the limbs and
indurations of the membranes remain after the venereal disease
has been cured by mercury, and in many of those cutaneous
diseases which are attended with aridity of the skin. A decoction
of the green rind has also been recommended as a useful applU
tion to old ulcers.
JUGLANS CINEREA.
White-Walnut. Butternut- Walnut.
The bark of this tree, especially of the root, will excite a blis-
ter. An extract of the inner bark is purgative, and is a valuable
remedy, in doses of from 10 to 30 grains. It is used in dysentery ;
and a decoction of the inner bark is advantageously employed as
a cathartic in the yellow water of horses. As this extract is often
very carelessly prepared by the country people, it ought to be
prepared by the apothecaries themselves.^
JUNIPERUS.
Dioecia Monadelphia.*—N2L\.. ord. Coniferce.
JUNIPERUS COMMUNIS. Baccce. Ed.
Juniperus. Baccce. Cacumen. L. Bacccu D.
Juniper. The berries and tops.
D. Dambesien, Geneverbessen. P. Bagas de zimbro.
DA. Enebcer. POL= Jaloiviec iagody.
F. Bales de Genevre. R. Moshshuchu.
G. Wachholder beeren. S. Bayas de enebro.
I. Cocole di ginejiro. SW. Enbdr.
This is an ever-green shrub, growing on heaths and hilly
grounds in all parts of Europe: the berries are brought from Hol-
land and from Italy. f The Italian berries are in general reckoned
the best. Juniper berries have a strong not disagreeable smell, and
a warm pungent sweet taste, which if they are long chewed, or
previously well bruised, is followed by a bitterish one. Their
predominant constituents are essential oil, and a sweet mucilagin-
ous matter.
* Barton's Collections, Part I. p. 22- 31. and Part II. p. 43-
f The berries of the Juniper might be collected with little trouble, in suffi-
cient quantities to prevent their importation into the jCJnited States.
J. — Juniperus. — J. Lycia. 431
Medical use. — To the oil they are indebted for their stimulating
carminative, diaphoretic, and diuretic properties. They are most
commonly used in the form of infusion, as a diuretic drink in
dropsy. The essential oil may be separated by distillation. Itpos-
the same properties in a higher degree, and imparts them
to ardent spirits. The peculiar flavour, and well known diuretic
effects of Hollands, are owing to the oil of Juniper. The decoc-
tion and extract are very inert preparations.
Even part of the plant contains the same essential oil; there-
fore an infusion of the tops is likewise diuretic. The wood, also,
wis formerly officinal. In warm countries a resin exudes from
the juniper-tree. It is called sandarac, and is often mixed with
mastich. It is not a pure resin, for, according to Mr. Giese, about
one fifth of it is not soluble in water or in alcohol, but in ether;
resembling in these respects copal.
Officinal PRFPARArioNS.
Ol. vol. juni peri communis, E. L. D. vide Oleavolatilia.
Spiritus juniperi com. comp. E. L. D. Spiritus destillati.
JUNIPERUS LYCIA. Gummi-resina. Ed.
Olibanum. Gummi-resina. L. D.
Olibanum. A gum- re sin.
D.
Wierook.
P.
Incenso, Incenso macho,
DA.
Virog, Virak.
Olibano.
F.
Encens, Encensjin on
R.
Ladon firostoi.
male, Oliban.
S.
Inctenao, Incienso macho,
G.
Weihrauch.
Olibano.
I.
Incenso, Olibano.
SW
. Vcirauch, Virack.
POL.
Kadzidlo.
Olibanum is principally collected in Arabia, and brought from
Mecca to Cairo, from whence it is imported into Europe. It con-
sists of transparent brittl engrains of different sizes, not larger than
a chesnut, of a red or yellow colour, having little taste, and a pe-
culiar aromatic smell. Neumann got from 480 grains, 346 alco-
holic, and 125 watery extract, and inversely 200 watery, and 273
alcoholic. The distilled spirit and oil both smelt of olibanum, but
no oil separated. It forms a transparent solution with alcohol, and
a milky fluid when triturated with water, it is not fusible, but in-
flammable, and burns with an agreeable smell. It is the frank-
incense of the ancients; and the diffusion of its vapour around the
altar still forms part of the ceremonies of the Greek and Roman
Catholic churches.
432 Materia Medica.
JUNIPERUS SABINA. Folia. Ed.
Sabina. L. D.
Savine. The leaf.
This is an evergreen shrub, a native of Siberia and Tartary,
but not unfrequent in our gardens. The leaves have a bitter, acrid,
biting taste, and a strong disagreeable smell: distilled with water,
they yield an essential oil, in considerable quantity.
Medical use. — Savine is a warm stimulating medicine, capable
of producing diaphoresis, and increasing all the secretions, but apt
to excite hemorrhagy, especially from the uterus. It is also re-
commended as an anthelmintic, and said to be very efficient in
the cure of gout.
Internally, a conserve of the fresh leaves is exhibited in doses
of from half a drachm to a drachm.
Externally, the leaves are applied in the form of powder or in-
fusion, to warts, carious bones, and old ulcers; and in cases of
gangrene, psora, and tinea. The essential oil is a very active re-
medy.
Officinal Preparation.
Oleum volatile juniperi sabinae, E. D. - vide Olea volatilia.
K
KtEMPFERIA rotunda.
Zedoaria. Radix. L.
Round Zedoary. The root.
Willd.g. 12. sp. 2. Monandria Monogynia. — Nat. ord. Scitaminea.
This is a perennial plant, a native of India. The roots are
about an inch long, somewhat rough on the surface, and often
terminate in a point. They correspond in sensible qualities with
the roots of the amomum zedoaria, but are not so strong. By
some, indeed, they are supposed to be produced from the same
plant, and that the round zedoary is the upper, and the long ze-
doary the under part of the root.
K.— Kino. 433
KALMIA LATIFOLIA.
Broad-leaved Laurel. Calico-tree,
This plant kills sheep and other animals. The Indians use a
decoction to destroy themselves. The powdered leaves are em-
ployed with success in tinea capitis, and in certain stages of fever.
A decoction of it is used for the itch, but it should be cautiously
applied. The brown powder attached to the footstalks of the leaves,
and about the seeds is errhine. The powdered leaves with lard
form an ointment in herpes. In syphilis this plant has seemed
useful. A saturated tincture of the leaves in proof spirit, is an
active remedy.*
KINO. Gummi-resina. Ed. Resina. L. D.
Gummi rubrum astringens Gambiense. Fothergill.
Kino. A Gum-resin.
Dr. Duncan says he found in commerce three kinds of kino,
easily distinguished by their external characters.
The first is in very small jet-black fragments, perfectly opaque,
without smell, crackling under the teeth when chewed, not colour-
ing the saliva, after some time imparting only a slight astringent
taste, not fusible, and difficultly reduced to powder. Powder dark
chocolate brown. Although this has been the longest known in
commerce in Great Britain, it does not seem to be that describ-
ed by Fothergill as the produce of the Pan de Sangue, and Dr.
Duncan has not been able to trace the place of its origin.
The second is in large fragments, on some of which the im-
pression of the vessel into which it had been received while fluid,
and in which it had hardened was evident; colour very dark
brown, fracture resinous, appearance homogeneous, with small air
bells, in very thin splinters transparent, and of a ruby red colour,
crackling under the teeth when chewed, taste at first somewhat
acid, but afterwards becoming considerably bitter and astringent,
succeeded by a peculiar sweetness, infusible, and friable; powder
of a reddish brown. This is said to be the extract of the Cocco-
loba uvifera, and indeed exactly resembles specimens certainly
known to be such.
The third is in dark brown masses of various sizes, either
smooth or rounded on the surface, or in fragments often covered
with a reddish brown powder, fracture resinous and very une-
* See Thomas's Inaugural Dissertation, 1802. Barton's Collections, Part I.
p. 18, 24, 48. Part II. p. 26.
3 I
434 Materia Medica.
qual, appearance sometimes homogeneous, but more commonly
heterogeneous, mixed with bits of twigs, leaves, &c. splinters
transparent, ruby red, no smell, scarcely crackling under the
teeth, but sometimes gritty from the accidental mixture of sand,
taste simply astringent, succeeded by sweetness, and, when long-
chewed, a portion adheres to the teeth; infusible and friable;
powder reddish brown. This is certainly obtained from the Eu-
calyptus resinifera, or brown gum tree of New South Wales, by
allowing the juice, which either flows from it spontaneously, or
is procured by wounding the tree, to harden in the sun. Some
specimens of it in its fluid state have even reached Great Britain.
The analysis of kino, published in Dr. Duncan's first edition of
the Edinburgh Dispensatory, has since been confirmed by Vau-
quelin, as well as the conclusion drawn from them, that it con-
sists principally of tannin, and cannot with propriety be classed
among the gum-resins. But the undoubted origin of the third
kind, and the examination of a red astringent matter picked from
a cavity in the cassurina, or beef wood, prove that Dr. Duncan
was wrong in believing that kino was always obtained from as-
tringent barks by decoction and evaporation. Kino is much more
soluble in boiling, than in cold, water. The decoction therefore
on cooling, becomes turbid with a very copious red sediment.
The residuum seems to be softened by the heat of boiling water,
at least it agglutinates into masses resembling melted red sealing-
wax dropt into water. By repeated decoctions with very large
quantities of water, the Doctor was never able to exhaust it of
its soluble parts: the last decoctions had still a deep red colour,
and blackened solutions of iron. It is not more soluble in alcohol,
and is not fusible; but when thrown on live coals burns away
without flame. Vauquelin observed that when the whole quan-
tity of water necessary to dissolve the soluble parts of kino is not
employed at once, the fesiduum becomes more insoluble. Alco-
hol dissolves the whofs of the Botany-bay kino except its impu-
rities. With a certain proportion of water it lets fall a copious
red precipitate, vyhich may be separated by filtration, but with a
larger proportion of water its transparency is only slightly dis-
turbed. Tho solutionis of kino precipitate gelatine; and, according
to Vauquelin, silver, lead, and antimony, white; and iron, green.
Dr. Duncan found that it resembles other astringents, in forming
a black precipitate with red sulphate of iron, which, however, is
converted into green by the slightest excess of the sulphate, and
by a larger excess is dissolved into a bright green liquid.
Medical use. — It is a powerful remedy in obstinate chronic di-
arrhoeas and dysenteries; in all passive* hemorrhagies, especially
from the uterus; influor albus; and in diseases arising from lax-
ity of the solids.
L.— Lactuca. 435
It is exhibited internally, in doses of from ten to thirty grains,
in substance, or dissolved in diluted alcohol.
Externally, it is applied as a styptic, to check hemorrhagies
from wounds or ulcers, and to diminish the discharge of sanious
or ichorous matter from ill-conditioned ulcers.
Officinal Preparations.
Tinctura kino, E. D. - - vide Tincture,
Electuarium catechu, E. D. - Electuaria.
L.
LACTUCA.
LACTUCA VIROSA. Folia. Ed.
Strong-scented or wild lettuce. The leaves.
Syngenesia .vqualis. — Nat. ord. Composite? semiflosculosa.
This plant is biennial, and grows wild on rubbish and rough
banks, in many places in Great Britain.
It smells strongly of opium, and resembles it in some of its
effects; and its narcotic power, like that of the poppy heads, re-
sides in its milky juice.
Medical use. — An extract, prepared from the expressed juice of
the leaves of the plant, gathered when in flower, is recommended
in small doses in dropsy. In dropsies of long standing, proceed-
ing from visceral obstructions, it has been given to the extent of
half an ounce a day. It is said to agree with the stomach, to
quench thirst,to be gently laxative, powerfully diuretic, and some-
what diaphoretic. Plentiful dilution is allowed during its opera-
tion. Dr. Collin of Vienna asserts, that out of twenty-four drop-
sical patients, all but one were cured by this medicine.
Officinal Preparation.
Succus spissatus lactuca? virosse, E. - vide Succi spissati.
436 Materia Medka.
LACTUCA SATIVA.
Common Garden Lettuce.
This plant, so valuable as an article of diet, abounds with a
milky juice, which possesses all the characteristic properties of
the opium of the shops, and may be procured from it in sufficient
quantity to repay any labour bestowed on it for this purpose. A
series of comparative experiments instituted for the purpose,
and detailed in the fourth volume of the American Philosophical
Transactions, have assured me of the identity of the opium pro-
cured from the poppy and from this species of the lettuce. These
experiments were made on frogs, as well as on the human subject.
The laudanum made from the opium of the lettuce, increases the
pulse in force and frequency, and produces generally the same
effects as result from similar doses of common laudanum. It has
been used with advantage in allaying the pain of chronic rheu-
matism and colic; in checking the frequent stools accompanying
diarrhoea; in allaying cough, &c. &c. and doubtless the plant
might be advantageously cultivated for medical purposes, espe-
cially as the opium is procured after the period in which the plant
is useful for the table.
LAPIS CALAMINARIS. - vide Zincum.
LAURUS.
Willd. g. 798. — Enneandria Monogynia. — Nat. ord. Oleracecc,
LAURUS CINNAMOMUM. Sp. 1. Cortex. Ed.
Cinnamomum. Cortex et ejus oleum essentiale. L. D.
The Cinnamon tree. The bark and its essential oil.
D.
Caneel.
P.
Canella.
DA.
Caned.
POL.
Cynamom,
F.
Cane lie de Ceylan.
R.
Koriza.
G.
Zimmct Kanehl.
S.
Canela.
I.
Canella.
sw.
Canel.
This valuable tree is a native of Ceylon, where it was guarded
with unremittingjealousy by the Dutch, that they might monopo-
lize the commerce of its productions. They failed, however, in
the attempt; and cinnamon trees are found, not only in other parts'
of the East- Indies, but also in Jamaica, and other islands of the
L. — Larus. — L. Cinnamomum. 437
West-Indies. Ceylon now belongs to the British, and Captain
Percival has published a very interesting account of the cinnamon
tree. It is found in greatest perfection in the immediate neigh-
bourhood of Col umbo, and grows from four to ten feet high, very
bushy. The leaves resemble those of the laurel, and have the hot
taste and smell of cloves when chewed. The blossom is white and
very abundant, but diifuses no odour. The fruit resembles an
acorn, and a species of fixed oil is obtained from it. There are
several different species of cinnamon trees, or trees resembling
them, in Ceylon, but four only are burked by government; the
honey cinnamon, the snake cinnamon, the camphor cinnamon,
which is inferior to these, and yields camphor from its roots, and
mixed with gum from incisions made into it, and the cabatte cin-
namon which is harsher and more astringent than the others. The
bark is collected at two seasons, the grand harvest lasts from
April to August, the little harvest is in December. Such branches
as are three years old are lopped off, the epidermis is then scrap-
ed off, the bark slit up, loosened and removed entire so as to
form a tube open at one side. The smaller of these are inserted
within the larger, and they are spread out to dry. They are then
packed up in bundles. The tasting of these bundles to ascertain
thtir quality is a very disagreeable duty imposed on the surgeons,
as it excoriates the tongue and mouth, and causes such intolera-
ble pain as renders it impossible for them to continue the prepa-
rations two or three days successively. In their turns, however,
they are obliged to resume it, and they attempt to mitigate the
pain by occasionally eating a piece of bread and butter. It is then
made up into large bundles about four feet long, and eighty
pounds in weight. In stowing the bales on ship-board, the inter-
stices are filled up with black pepper, which is supposed to im-
prove both spices.
The best cinnamon is rather pliable, and ought not much to
exceed stout writing paper in thickness. It is of a light yellowish
colour; it possesses a sweet taste, not so hot as to occasion pain,
and not succeeded by any after-taste. The inferior kind is dis-
tinguished by being thicker, of a darker and brownish colour, hot,
and pungent when chewed, and succeeded by a disagreeable bitter
after-taste. The Dutch were accused of deteriorating their cinna-
mon by mixing it with a proportion of real cinnamon, but which
had been deprived of its essential oil by distillation. This fraud
could only be detected by the weaker smell and taste. It is also
often mixed with cassia bark. This last is easily distinguishable
by its breaking over smooth, and by its slimy mucilaginous taste,
without any thing of the roughness of the true cinnamon.
By distillation with water, it furnishes a small quantity of very
pungent and fragrant oil, the water itself remains long milky, and
has a strong flavour of cinnamon. The waterv extract in Neu-
438 Materia Medica.
mann's experiment amounted to 720 from 7680 parts. With al-
cohol the oil does not arise in distillation, but remains in the ex-
tract, which amounts to 960.
The essential oil of cinnamon has a whitish yellow colour, a
pungent burning taste, and the peculiar fine flavour of cinnamon
in a very great degree. It should sink in water, and be entirely
soluble in alcohol. It is principally prepared in Ceylon.
Medical use. — Cinnamon is a very elegant and useful aromatic,
more grateful both to the palate and stomach than most other
substances of this class. Like other aromatics, the effects of cin-
namon are stimulating, heating, stomachic, carminative, and
tonic; but it is rather used as an adjunct to other remedies, than
as a remedy itself.
The oil is one of the most powerful stimulants we possess, and
is sometimes used as a cordial in cramps of the stomach and in
syncope; or as a stimulant in paralysis of the tongue, or to deaden
the nerve in toothach. But it is principally used as an aromatic,
to cover the less agreeable taste of other drugs.
Officinal PbeparaTions.
Aqua lauri cinnamomi, E. L. D. - vide Aqua destillatce.
Spiritus lauri cinnamomi, E. L. D. Spiritus destillati.
Tinctura lauri cinnamomi, E. L. D. Tincturce.
cardamomi composita, L. D. Idem.
lavenduhe composita, L. D. Idem.
catechu, E. L. D. - Idem.
Acidum sulphuricum aromaticum, E. Tincturce cetherece.
Emplastrum ladani compositum, L. Unguenta.
LAURUS CASSIA. Sp. 2. Cortex. Floresnondum explicitu Ed.
Cassia Lignea. Cortex. D.
The cassia tree. The bark and Ji owe r -buds gathered before theij
open.
D. Houtkassie, Moederkaneel. G. Cassia lignea, Kassien.-
DA. ModerkanecL rinde.
F. Cassia lignea, Casse en P. Cassia lanhosa.
bois, Canelle de la Chine. S.. Cassia lenosa.Casalignea.
I. Cassilignea. SW. Moderkanel.
This tree is very similar to the former. The bark, which is im-
ported from different parts of the East-Indies and from China,
has a very exact resemblance to the cinnamon. It is distinguish-
able from the cinnamon, by being of a thicker and coarser ap-
L. — Laurus. — L. Camphora. 439
pearance, and by its breaking short and smooth, while the cinna-
mon breaks fibrous and shivery.
It resembles cinnamon still more exactly in its aromatic flavour
and pungencv than in its external appearance, and seems only to
differfrom itin being considerably weaker,and in abounding more
with a mucilaginous maiter.
Cassia buds are the flower-buds which are gathered and dried
before they expand. They have the appearance of a nail, consist-
ing of a round head, about the size of a pepper-corn, surrounded
with the imperfect hexan^ular corolla, which gradually terminates
in a point. They have a brown colour, and the smell and taste
of cinnamon.
Medical use — Both the bark and buds of cassia possess the
same properties with cinnamon, though in an inferior degree.
The bark is very frequently, and sometimes unintentionally, sub-
stituted for the more expensive cinnamon; and the products ob-
tained from cassia bark and buds by distillation, are in no respect
inferior to those prepared from cinnamon.
Officinal Preparations.
Aqua lauri cassia?, E. vide Aqucs destillattr.
Pulvis aromaticus, E. L. D. - - Puheres.
carbonatis calcis compositus, E. L. Idem.
Electuarium aromaticum, D. Electuaria.
Confectio aromatica, L. Idem.
Electuarium catechu, L. D. - - Idem.
Trochisci cretse, L. - Trochisci.
LAURUS CAMPKORA. S/j. 3. Camphora. Ed.
Camphora. L. Resina. E.
Camphor-tree. Camphor.
D. Kamfer. P. Akanfor.
DA. Kamliher. POL. Kamfora.
F. Camfihre. R. Kamfora, Kanfora.
G. Kamhher. S. Jlcan/br, Canfor.
I. Canfora. SW. Kamfer.
Camphor is a concrete friable substance, of a white colour,
with a considerable degree of transparency, and a crystalline ap-
pearance, specific gravity 0.9887. Its taste is bitter and acrid,
and its smell penetrating and peculiar. It is evaporated unchang-
ed by a heat of 145°, but may be melted by suddenly exposing it
to 302°. The vapour when condensed crystallizes in hexagonal
plates. Its vapour is exceedingly inflammable, and when kindled
it burns with a very white flame and a great deal of smoke, and
440 Materia Medica.
leaves no residuum. The products of its combustion are carbonic
acid gas, charcoal, and water. Camphor is soluble in alcohol and
in the acids. From these solutions it is precipitated by water. It
is also soluble in hot oils, both volatile and fixed, but on cooling
separates from them in plumose crystals It is insoluble in water,
and is not acted on by the alkalies, metals or metallic oxides. By
repeated distillation with nitric acid, it is converted into a pecu-
liar acid. It exists in many vegetables, but is chiefly procured
from the laurus camphora.
The camphor laurel grows in great abundance, and to a very
considerable size, in the forests of Japan. It is not uncommon in
green-houses in England. Every part of the tree smells strongly
of camphor, which is obtained from the trunk, branches, and root,
by distillation. They are cut down into small pieces, and put into
a still with a quantity of water. After the water has been kept
boiling forty-eight hours, the camphor is found adhering to the
straw with which the head of the still is lined. In this state it is
imported by the Dutch, and is called crude camphor. It is very
impure, consisting of small brownish or dirty-grey grains, mixed
with straw, wood, hair, and other impurities. From these it is
purified in Holland, by a second sublimation in glass vessels;
being previously mixed with quicklime, to combine with and pre-
vent any empyreumatic oil with which it may be contaminated
from subliming, while the camphor concretes in the upper part
of the vessel into cakes, convex on the one side, and concave on
the other, about two or three inches thick, thinner at the edges,
and generally perforated in the middle.^
Pure camphor is lighter than water, very white, pellucid, some-
what unctuous to the touch, brittle, yet tough and elastic, so as to
be scarcely pulverizable; shining in its fracture, and crystalline
in its texture; of a bitterish, aromatic, pungent, taste, yet accom-
panied with a sense of coolness; of a strong and very penetrating
smell; very volatile, inflammable, burning entirely away without
leaving any coal or ashes; capable of combining with the fixed and
volatile oils, resins, and balsams; soluble in alcohol, ether, and the
concentrated sulphuric, nitric, and acetic acids; separable from
these alcoholic and acid solutions by water; insoluble in water,
alkalies, and the weaker acids; decomposable by heat when mixed
writh alumina, being converted into an essential oil and charcoal,
and by treating it with nitric acid, which acidifies it, producing
camphoric acid. j
* For the method of purifying Camphor, see an account by Professor Wood-
house, in the Philadelphia Medical Museum, Vol. I .p. 197.
f Camphoric acid crystallizes in white parallelopipeds of a slightly acid
bitter taste, and smell of saffron, efflorescing' in the air; sparingly soluble in
cold water; more soluble in hot water; soluble in alcohol, the mineral acids,
volatile and unctuous oils; meltins? and subliming1 bv heat.
Cam-
L. — Laurus. — L. Camphora. 441
Bat the production of camphor is not confined to the laurus
Camphora, although it furnishes almost all the camphor of com-
merce; it is found in very great purity in interstices among the
woody fibres of an unknown tree in Borneo; it is also contained
in the roots of the laurus cinnamomum and cassia, Alpinia ga-
langa, am o mum zedoaria, &c; in the seeds of the amomum car-
damomum, piper cubeba, &c; and in many indigenous plants,
as in the thymus serpyllum and vulgaris, juniperus communis,
rosmarinus officinalis, salvia officinalis, mentha piperita, &c. and
may be separated from the essential oils of rosemary, lavender,
marjoram and sage. It is therefore now universally considered
as a peculiar principle of vegetables, and not as a resin, as stated
by the Dublin college.
Medical use. — Camphor is a very active substance when taken
into the stomach. It increases the heat of the body considerably,
and gives a tendency to diaphoresis, but without quickening the
pulse. At first it raises the spirits, but produces a subsequent de-
pression; and it facilitates voluntary motion. In excessive doses
it causes syncope, anxiety, retchings, convulsions, and delirium.
These violent effects of camphor are most effectually counteracted
by opium.
In a morbid state of the body, camphor allays inordinate
action. When the pulse is hard and contracted, it renders it
fuller and softer. It removes spasms, and flitting pains arising
from spasms; and in delirium, when opium fails of procuring
sleep, camphor will often succeed. It is also said to correct the
bad effects of opium, mezereon, cantharides, and the drastic
purgatives and diuretics.
The most general indication for the use of camphor, is the
languor or oppression of the vis vitte. It may therefore be given
with advantage,
1. In all febrile diseases of the typhoid type, especially when
attended with delirium.
2. In inflammations with typhoid fever, as in some cases of
peripneumonia and rheumatism.
3. In eruptive diseases, to favour the eruption, or to bring it
back to the skin, if from any cause it has suddenly receded,
.as in small-pox, measles, Sec.
4. In many spasmodic diseases, especially mania, melancholy,
epilepsy, hysteria, chorea, hiccough, &c.
5. In indolent local inflammations, not depending upon an in-
ternal cause, to excite action in the part.
As from its great lightness it is apt to swim upon the contents
of the stomach, and to occasion pain at its upper orifice, it is ne-
Camphorates have commonly a bitter taste, burn with a blue flame before
'he blowpipe, and are decomposed by heat, the acid subliming-.
3 K
442 Materia Medica.
cessary that it be always exhibited in a state of minute division.
In order to reduce it to powder, it must be previously moistened
with a little alcohol. It may then be given,
1. In powder, with sugar, magnesia, and nitrate of potass.
2. In pills, with the fetid gums and mucilage.
3. In solution, in alcohol, oil, or acetic acid.
4. Suspended in the form of an emulsion, by means of muci-
lage, sugar, yolk of eg^ almonds, vinegar, &c.
Internally, it may be given in small doses, of from one to live
grains, repeated at short intervals, as its effects are very transient,
or in large doses, not under twenty grains.
Officinal Preparations.
Oleum camphoratum, E. - vide Olea prceparata.
Emulsio camphorata, D. L. - - - Emulsipnes.
Tinctura lauri camphor*, E. L. D. - - Tinctures.
Acidum acetosum camphoratum, E. - Aceta medicate-
Tinctura opii camphorata, L. D. - - - Tinctures,
saponis, E. - - - - Idem.
cum opio, L. D. - - idem.-
Linimentum saponis, L. D. - - - Idem.
camphor* compositum, L. D. Idem.
Ceratum lithargyri acetati compositum, L. D. Unguenta.
LAURUS NOBILIS. Sp. 10. Folia. Baccce. Baccarum oleum
jixum. Ed.
Laurus. L.
Bay-tree. The leaves, berries, and expressed oil of the berries.
This tree is a native of the south of Europe, but bears the
winters of Great- Britain perfectly well. Both leaves and berries
contain a considerable quantity of essential oil, which renders
them aromatic stimulating substances.
The berries are generally brought from the Mediterranean, and
are more pungent than the leaves. In Spain and Italy a conside-
rable quantity of oil is obtained by expression from the fresh
berries. It has a green colour, and strong aromatic taste and
smell. As it therefore is not a fixed oil, but a mixture of fixed
and essential oil, and as its peculiar properties depend entirely on
the presence of the latter, it is incorrectly stated to be a fixed oil
by the Edinburgh college. It should rather have been denomi-
nated, from the mode of its preparation, an expressed oil.
Medical use. — It is only used externally as a stimulant.
L. — Laurus. — L. Sassafras. 443
Officinal Preparations.
Decoctum pro fomento, L. vide Decocta.
Cataplasma cumini, L. Cataplasmata.
Emplastrum cumini, L. - Unguenta.
LAURUS SASSAFRAS. Sp. 34. Lignum, radix, ejusque
cortex, Ed.
Sassafras. L. D.
Sassafras. The rvood, root, and bark.
D. Sassafrass. P. Sassafraz, Salsafraz.
DA. Sassafras. POL Sasafras.
F. Sassafras. R. Sasafras.
G. Sassafrass. S. Sasafras.
I. Sassafrasso. S\V. Sassafras.
This tree is a native of North America, and is cultivated in
Jamaica. It is the root which is commonly emploved. It is
brought to us in long branched pieces. It is soft, light, and of a
spongy texture; of a rusty white colour; of a strong pleasant smell,
resembling that of fennel; and a sweetish, aromatic, subacrid
taste. The bark is rough, of a brown ash colour on the outside,
and ferruginous colour within; spongy and divisible into layers,
and of a stronger taste and smell than the wood.
Neumann got from 480 grains 80 of alcoholic, and afterwards
60 of watery extract, and inversely 120 watery and 7.5 alcoholic.
In distillation the alcohol elevates nothing, but water a ponderous
essential oil, in the proportion of about 10 from 480.
Medical use. — Sassafras, from the quantity of volatile oil it
contains, is a gently stimulating, heating, sudorific, and diuretic
remedy.
It is best given in infusion. The decoction and extract are
mere bitters, as the oil is dissipated by the preparation.
The essential oil may be obtained separate by distillation. It is
of a whitish, yellow colour, and sinks in water. It is highlv sti-
mulating and heating, and must be given only in very small
doses.
The bark is useful in intermittents; and the oil is said to be ef-
ficacious applied externally to Wens.*
■ Barton's Collections, Part L p. 19. 49
444 Materia Medica.
Officinal Preparations.
Oleum volatile lauri sassafras, E. L. - vide Olea volatilia.
Decoctum guaiaci compositum, E. - - - Decocta.
sarsaparillse compositum, L. D. Idem,
LAVANDULA SPICA. Spicce fiorentes. Ed,
Lavendula. Flos. L. D.
Lavender. The fioxve ring spikes.
Willd. g. 1099. sp. 1. Didynamia Gijmnospermia. — Nat. ord.
Ver titillates.
Lavender is a well known small, shrubby, perennial plant, a
native of the south of Europe, but frequently cultivated in our
gardens for the sake of its perfume. There are two varieties.
The flowers of both have a fragrant, agreeable smell, and a warm,
pungent, bitterish taste ; the broad-leaved sort is the strongest in
both respects, and yields in distillation thrice as much essential
oil as the other; its oil is also hotter and specifically heavier;
hence in the southern parts of France, where both kinds grow
wild, this only is used for the distillation of what is called Oil of
Spike. The narrow-leaved is the sort commonly met with in our
gardens.
Medical use. — Lavender is a warm stimulating aromatic. It is
principally used as a perfume.
Officinal Preparations.
Oleum volatile lavandulae spicae, E. L. vide Olea volatilia.
Spiritus lavandulae, E. L. D. - - Spiritus destillati.
Pulvis asari compositus, E. L. D. - Pulveres.
LEONTODON TARAXACUM. Herba. Radix. Ed.
Taraxacum, L. Folia. D.
Dandelion. The root and leaves.
Syngenesia cequalis. — Nat. ord. Composite semiflosculosce.
This perennial plant is very common in grass fields and un-
cultivated places. The whole plant contains a bitter milky juice,
which, however, is most abundant in the roots before the flower-
stem shoots. The bitterness is destroyed by drying, and, therefore
the recent roots only should be used.
L. — Lichen Islandicus. 445
Medical use. — Its vulgar name Piss-a-bed, shows a popular
belief of its possessing diuretic properties; and it was lately a
very fashionable remedy in Germany, and given in the form of
an expressed juice or decoction, or extract prepared from either
of them; but it seems to be merely a mucilaginous bitter.
LICHEN ISLANDICUS. Dub.
Iceland moss. Eryn go-leaved liverwort.
Murray, g. 1202. sp. 50. Cryptogamia, Algce, Lichenes.
This is a perennial lichen, very common in Iceland, but also
found in the forests and dry sterile woods of Switzerland and
Germany, growing upon stones and on the earth. It has dry co-
riaceous leaves, divided into lobes and laciniae, which are again
notched and subdivided with elevated margins, beset with shurt,
very minute, rigid, parallel hairs, and marked with white spots,
reddish towards the points. Amongst the leaves are found pel-
tated, somewhat excavated, shining, viscid bodies, internally of
a brown colour: these are the pericarpiums. When fresh, the
colour of this lichen is greenish yellow, or greyish brown; but,
when dried, greenish wThite, or grey. In Sweden principally, and
in Germany, a variety is found, with smaller, tenderer, crisper
leaves, destitute of hairs on the margin, of a paler lead colour,
orange beneath. It is gathered in rainy weather, because it is
then more easily detached from the stones. In the countries
where it abounds, it is used for the nourishment both of cattle
and of man. Mr. Proust has analyzed it with much success. A
pound of dry lichen immersed in cold water, soon resumed its
fresh colour, and weighed two pounds two ounces, gave out a
pale fawn colour, but none of its bitterness. When previously
powdered, it gives out a bitter, pale, yellow juice, losing about
three per cent, in cold, and six in boiling water. This bitterness
resides in an extractive which is employed in Iceland to dye a
brown colour. By boiling lichen a quarter of an hour, it becomes
sufficiently tender for use as an esculent vegetable. Lichen cooked
in this manner has a kind of membranous elasticitv, peculiar to
some of the algae and fungi; and after being dried, has only to
be moistened with boiling water to resume this elasticity. Its
appearance is not very prepossessing, having an unequal yellow
colour, and a slight marine smell. A pound of dry lichen by
boiling weighs three pounds, and when dried again is reduced to
two thirds of a pound.
The decoction has a clear yellow colour, and a slightly bitter
taste, which, even when made with eight waters, on cooling
446 Materia Medica.
becomes a tremulous jelly, without any viscidity. This jelly on
standing contracts, expresses the water, cracks, and dries into
transparent angular fragments, of a deep red colour, insoluble in
cold water, soluble in boiling water, from which it is precipitated
by infusion of galls. By nitric acid it is converted into oxalic
acid. The insoluble part dissolves readily in nitric acid, forming
oxalate of lime and oxalic acid, and is converted into a gelatinous
pulp by potass.
According to this analysis, one hundred parts of dried lichen
give of
Bitter extractive, 3
Matter soluble in hot water, 33
Matter insoluble in hot water, 64=100.
The last substance has much analogy with gluten, and the
second with starch, particularly in the remarkable property of
being precipitated by infusion of galls. It differs from it, how-
ever, in not being glutinous, and in the solid matter of the jelly
contracting and separating from the fluid, as curd does from
whey.
Medical use. — From the analysis of this lichen, it appears to
consist principally of a nutritious substance, combined with a
bitter; and on the combination of these, its medical virtues pro-
bably depend. It is used, according to Arnemann,
1. In cough with expectoration, threatening to terminate in
consumption; after neglected catarrhs, the consequence
of peripneumony, when the expectoration becomes more
copious and purulent.
2. In emaciation from measles, (Schoenheide); from wounds
and ulcers with great discharge, (Plenk); after salivation;
and from actual ulcers in the lungs, when there is no
fever, (Scopoli), especially after neglected colds, or from
translated morbid matter. In a high degree of the dis-
ease it does little good, but the night sweats are dimi-
nished by it, (Millin). In pituitous phthisis it is of great
service.
3. In haemoptysis, (Frize).
4. In chincough, (Tode).
5. In diabetes, as a tonic and palliative remedy.
It is commonly exhibited in decoction with water, broth, or
milk, after the bitter has been extracted from it by steeping it
in warm water; or in substance, boiled in chocolate or cocoa, or
made into a jelly with boiling water. Half an ounce, or an ounce,
must be used daily, and continued for some time. Proust dis-
believes its specific virtues, but recommends it strongly as an
article of diet in times of scarcity, and as a very convenient
anti-scorbutic vegetable in long sea voyages.
L. — Linum. 447
LILIUM CANDIDUM. Lilium album. Radix. D.
The white lily* The root.
Willd. g. 127. sp. 3. — Hexandria Monogynia. Nat. ord. Liliacece.
The white lily is a perennial bulbous-rooted plant, a native
of the south of Europe, and cultivated in our gardens for the
beauty of its flowers. The mucilaginous root is sometimes used
as a poultice; but it possesses no advantage over the poultices
formed of any vegetable larina.
LINIMENTA. - - Vide Unguenta.
LINUM.
Willd. g. 590. — Pentandria Pentagynia. — Nat. ord. Gruinales.
LINUM USITATISSIMUM. Sp. 1. Semen, ejusque oleum
fixum. Ed.
Linum. L. D.
Common flax* The seed, and oil expressed from the seed. Linseed,
and linseed oil.
D. Lynzaad. P. Linhaca.
DA. Horrfroe. POL. Siemie, Inianc.
F. Im, Graine de Lin. R. Semja lenjanoe.
G. Leinvaat. S. Linaza.
I. Linseme. SW. Linfro.
This valuable annual plant, is said to have come originally
from thoseparts of Egypt which are exposed to the inundations of
the Nile. It now grows wild among the fields, in the south of
E . ind, and many other parts of Europe, and is cultivated in
large quantities, both there and in the United States.
Linseed contains about one fifth of mucilage, and one sixth of
fixed oil. The mucilage resides entirely in the skin, and is sepa-
rated by infusion or decoction. The oil is separated by expres-
sion. It is one of the cheapest fixed oils; but is generally rancid
and nauseous, and unfit for internal use. The cake which remains
after the expression of the oil, contains the farinaceous and mu-
cilaginous part of the seed, and is used in fattening cattle, under
the name of Oil-cake.
Linseed is considered as emollient, and demulcent. The entire
seeds are only used in cataplasms. The infusion is used as a pec-
toral drink, and in ardor urina?, nephritic pains, and during the
exhibition of corrosive sublimate.
448 Materia Medica.
Officinal Preparations.
Oleum lini usitatissimi, E. L. D. vide Oleafixa.
cumcalce, E. - - Olea prceparata,
LINUM CATHARTICUM. Herba. D.
Purgi?igjlax.
This is an annual plant, found wild on dry meadows and pas-
tures in Britain. Its virtue is expressed in its title: an infusion
in water or whey of a handful of the fresh herb, or a drachm of
it in substance when dried, is said to purge without inconveni-
ence.
UQUIDAMBAR ASPLENIFOLIUM. Lin.
COMPTONIA AsPLENIFOLIA. Alton.
Sweet Fern.
This is useful in diarrhoea. The Indians are said to chew trw?
i?oot to stop hemorrhages of recent wounds.*
LIQUIDAMBAR STYRACIFLUA.
Sweet-gum. Maple-leaved Liquidambar*
This is used in diarrhoea with advantage. The dried leave*
are mixed with tobacco by the Indians for smoking.f
LIRIODENDRON TULIPIFERA.
Tulip-tree. Poplar. White-wood, &c.
This is closely allied to the magnolias. The bark has been
used in intermittents,and many think it little inferior to Peruvian
bark4
The bark is used in some parts in gout and rheumatism.^
* Barton's Collections, Part I. p. 10. 44.
f Barton's Collections, Part I. p. 16.
£ Transactions of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia.
§ Barton's Collections, Part I, p. 14. 45.
(
•L. — Lobelia Syphilitica. 449
LITHARGYRUS. - Vide Plumbum.
LOBELIA SYPHILITICA. Radix. Ed.
Lobelia. The root.
Syngenesia Monogamia. — Nat. orcl. Campanacece.
This plant grows in moist places in Virginia, and bears the
winters of Great Britain. It is perennial, has an erect stalk three
or four feet high, blue flowers, a milky juice, and a rank smell.
The root consists of white fibres about two inches long, resembles
tobacco in taste, which remains on the tongue, and is apt to ex-
cite vomiting.
Dr. Barton says, that it is considerably diuretic, and Mr. Pear-
son found, that it generally disagreed with the stomach, and sel-
dom failed of affecting the bowels as a strong cathartic. It cer-
tainly possesses no power of curing syphilis; even the Indians,
when they have the disease, are glad of an opportunity of apply-
ing to the whices. It is said to have cured gonorrhoea
The Cherokees use a decoction of the root of the Lobelia Car-
dinalis as an anthelmintic. * And the Lobelia Inflata has been
used in leucorrhoea.
* Barton's Collections, Part L p SP
3 I
450 Materia Medica,
M.
MAGNESIA.— MAGNESIA.
MAGNESIA; olim, Magnesia Usta. Ed.
Magnesia, formerly Calcined Magnesia. .
Magnesia Usta. L. D.
Calcined Magnesia.
Let carbonate of magnesia, put into a crucible, be kept in a red
heat for two hours, then put it up in close-stoot glass vessels*
(E.)
By this process the carbonate of magnesia is freed of its acid
and water; and, according to the late Dr. Black's experiment,
loses about ~ of its weight. A kind of opaque foggy vapour is
observed to escape during the calcination, which is nothing else
than a quantity of fine particles of magnesia, buoyed off along with
a stream of the disengaged gas. About the end of the operation,
the magnesia exhibits a kind of luminous or phosphorescent pro-
perty, which may be considered as a pretty exact criterion of its
bring deprived of its acid.
It is to be kept in close vessels, because it attracts, though
slowly , the carbonic acid of the atmosphere.
Magnesia is obtained in light white friable masses, or very fine
powder; to the touch it is very fine; its taste is not very sensible,
but peculiar and pleasant; its specific gravity is 2.33. It is insolu-
ble in water, but forms with it a paste without ductility. It is
apyrous; slightly alters vegetable blues to green; forms soluble
compounds with most acids, and unites with sulphur. The fossils,
in which it predominates, are generally soft, and have an unctuous
feel; the principal are talc, steatites, asbestos, &c.
Medical use. — It is used for the same general purposes as the
carbonate. In certain affections of the stomach, accompanied with
much flatulence, magnesia is preferable, both because it contains
more magnesia in a given bulk, and, being deprived of its acid,
it neutralizes the acid of the stomach, without any extrication of
gas, which is often a troublesome consequence when carbonate
of magnesia is employed in these complaints.
Officinal Preparation.
Trochisci mnjrnesije, L. - - vide Trochisci.
M. — Magnesia. — Carbonas Magnesias, 451
SULPHAS M AGNESLE. Ed.
Magnesia .Vitriolata. L. D.
Sulphate of Magnesia, Epsom salt.
This salt is contained in several mineral springs, and also in
sea water, from which it is obtained by evaporation. It crystallizes
in tetrahedral prisms. It has a very bitter taste. It is soluble in
its own weight of water at 60°, and three fourths of its weight of
boiling water. Sulphate of magnesia when perfectly pure efflo-
resces, but that of commerce generally contains foreign salts, such
as the muriate of magnesia, which renders it so deliquescent that
it must be kept in a close vessel or bladder. By the action of heat
it undergoes the watery fusion, and loses its water of crystalliza-
tion, but does not part with its acid. It is decomposed by baryta,
strontia, the alkalies, and all the salts formed by these salifiable
bases, excepting the alkaline muriates; and by the nitrate, muri-
ate, and carbonate of lime.
Medical use. — It is a mild and gentle purgative, operating with
sufficient efficacy, and in general with ease and safety, rarely oc-
casioning any gripes, sickness, or the other inconveniences which
purgatives of the resinous kind are too often accompanied with.
Six or eight drachms may be dissolved for a dose in a proper
quantity of common water; or four, five, or more, in a pint, or
quart of the purging mineral waters. These liquors may likewise
be so managed as to promote evacuation by the other emuncto-
ries: if the patient be kept warm, they increase perspiration; and
by moderate exercise in the cool air, the urinary discharge. Some
allege this salt has a peculiar effect in allaying pain, as in colic,
even independently of evacuation.
It is principally used for the preparation of the carbonate of
magnesia.
Officinal Preparation.
Carbonas magnesia?, E.
CARBONAS MAGNESIA; olira, Magnesia Alba. Ed.
Carbonate of Magnesia, formerly White Magnesia.
Magnesia Alba. L. D.
White Magnesia.
Take of
Sulphate of magnesia,
Carbonate of potass, equal weights.
452 Materia Medica*
Dissolve them separately in double their quantity of warm water,
and let the liquors be strained or otherwise freed from their
feces: then mix them, and instantly add eight times their quan-
tity of warm water. Let the liquor boil for a little on the fire,
stirring it at the same time; then let it rest till the heat be some-
what diminished; after which strain it through linen: the car-
bonate of magnesia will remain upon the cloth, and it is to be
washed with pure water till it become altogether void of saline
taste. (E.)
In this process there is a mutual decomposition of the two salts
employed. The potass unites itself to the sulphuric acid, while
the carbonic acid combines with the magnesia. The large quan-
tity of water used is necessary for the solution of the sulphate of
potass formed; and the boiling is indispensably requisite for the
expulsion of a portion of the carbonic acid, which retains a part
of the magnesia in solution. Sulphate of potass may be obtained
from the liquor which passes through the filter, by evaporation.
This is not pure, however, but mixed with undecomposed carbo-
nate of potass; for 100 parts of crystallized carbonate of potass
are sufficient for the decomposition of 125 parts of sulphate of
magnesia; and as the carbonate of potass of commerce contains a
larger proportion of alkali, than the crystallized carbonate, a still
less proportion should be used. From these quantities about 45
parts of carbonate of magnesia are obtained.
The ablutions should be made with very pure water; for nicer
purposes distilled water may be used, and soft water is in every
case necessary. Hard water for this process is peculiarly inadmis-
sible, as the principle in waters, giving the property called hard-
ness, is generally a salt of lime, which decomposes the carbonate
of magnesia, by compound affinity, giving rise to carbonate of
lime, while the magnesia unites itself to the acid of the calcare-
ous salt, by which the quantity of the carbonate is not only les-
sened, but is rendered impure by the admixture of carbonate of
lime. Another source of impurity is the silica which the sub-car-
bonate of potass generally contains. It is most easily got rid of by
exposing the alkaline solution to the air for several days before it
is used. In proportion as it becomes saturated with carbonic
acid, the silica is precipitated, and may be separated by filtration.
The carbonate of magnesia thus prepared is a very light, white,
opaque substance, without smell or taste, effervescing with acids.
It is not, however, saturated with carbonic acid. By decomposing
sulphate of magnesia by an alkaline carbonate, without the appli-
cation of heat, carbonate of magnesia. is gradually deposited in
transparent, brilliant, hexagonal crystals, terminated by an ob-
lique hexagonal plane, and soluble in about 480 times its weight
of water. The crystallized carbonate of magnesia consists of 50
M.— Malv*. 453"
acid, 25 magnesia, and 25 water; the sub-carbonate consists of 4£
acid, 40 magnesia, and 12 water; and the carbonate of commerce
of 34 acid, 45 magnesia, and 21 water. It is decomposed by all
the acids, potass, soda, baryta, lime, and strontia, the sulphate,
phosphate, nitrate, and muriate of alumina, and the super-phos-
phate of lime.
Medical use. — Carbonate of magnesia is principally given to
correct acidity of the stomach, and in these cases to act as a pur-
gative; for solutions of magnesia in all acids are bitter and purga-
tive; while those of the other earths are more or less austere and
astringent. A large dose of magnesia, if the stomach contain no
acid to dissolve it, neither purges nor produces any sensible effect:
a moderate one, if an acid be lodged there, or if acid liquors be
taken after it, procures several stools; whereas the common ab-
sorbents, in the same circumstances, instead of loosening, bind
the belly. When the carbonate of magnesia meets with an acid in
the stomach, there is extricated a considerable quantity of carbo-
nic acid gas, which sometimes causes uneasy distention of the
stomach, and the symptoms of flatulence. In such cases, therefore,
magnesia is preferable to its carbonate; but on other occasions
good effects arise from the action of the gas evolved, as in nausea
and vomiting.
Officinal Preparation.
Magnesia, E. L. D.
MALVA SYLVESTRIS. Herba. Flores. Ed.
Malva. L.
Common mallow. The leaves andjlozvers.
Willd. g. 1290. sp. 43. Monadelphia Polyandria. — Nat. ord.
Columniferx.
This is an annual plant, common in Britain, under hedges,
near footpaths, and among rubbish.
The whole plant abounds with mucilage. The leaves were for-
merly of some esteem, in food, for loosening the belly; at present,
decoctions of them are sometimes employed in dysenteries, heat,
and sharpness of urine, and in general for obtunding acrimonious
humours; their principal use is in emollient clysters, cataplasms,
and fomentations.
Officinal Preparation.
Decoctum pro enemate, L. vide Decocta.
454 Materia Medica.
MARANTA ARUNDINACEA.
Indian Arrow-root,
This plant is a native of Jamaica and other West India islands,
and of the continent of South America. By a letter from Mr. E.
L. M'Call, to Dr. Barton, (Philadelphia Medical and Physical
Journal, Vol. II.) it appears that the soil of the southern sea-
coast is well adapted to it; and he adds, that Campbell Wylly,
Esq. of Sapelo-Island in Georgia, asserted " that a spot of land,
on his plantation, not remarkable for its fertility, yielded arrow-
root sago in the proportion of 1840 lbs. to the acre." The exten-
sive use of this article in the United States, in the diseases of the
bowels, &c. &c. renders this information of great importance.
MARRUBIUM VULGARE. Herba. Ed. L.
Folia. D.
White horehound. The leaves.
Willd. g\ 1111. sp. 8. Didynamia Gymnospermia. — Nat. ord.
Verticillatce.
This is a perennial plant, which grows wild on road sides,
and among rubbish. The leaves have a very strong, not disagree-
able smell, and a roughish, very bitter taste. Neumann got from
480 grains, 270 watery, and 30 alcoholic extract, and inversely
1 50 alcoholic, and 140 watery. They promote the fluid secre-
tions in general, and liberally taken, loosen the belly.
MEDEOLA VIRGINIANA.
Cucumber -root. Indian Cucumber.
The root is diuretic, and is said to have cured dropsies.*
MEL. Ed. L. D.-- HONEY.
D. Honig, Honing. P. Mel.
DA. Honning. POL. Miod.
F. Miel. ' . R. Med.
G. Honig. S. Miel.
I. Mele. . SW. Honing.
This is a well known substance, and although it is most proba-
bly of vegetable origin, we do not procure it in any quantity ex-
* Barton's Collections, Part I. p. 36.
M.— Mel. 455
cept as an animal excretion, from the bee, (apis mellifica). This
industrious insect, in the summer time flies from flower to flower
to collect the sweet juice secreted in them. When sufficiently
loaded, it returns to its hive, where it deposits it, as a winter's
supply, in the cells of the comb it had prepared of wax to receive
it. What change it undergoes in the body of the insect is un-
known; but it is certain, that honey varies very much, according
to the nature of the plants from which it is collected. In some
situations, where poisonous plants abound, it is even deleterious.
The best honey is that wrhich is freest from colour, and con-
tains the largest grains when it concretes. For medical use, it
should also be as free of flavour as possible. That obtained from
young bees, and which flows spontaneously from the combs, is
tru purest and finest, and is known by the name of Virgin honey.
WThen separated from the wax by expression, it is less pure; and
there is another sort still inferior, obtained by heating the combs
before they are pat into the press.
Honey consists principally of sugar, but it also probably con-
tains mucilage and an acid, and is often impregnated with the
essential oil of the flowers from which the bees have gathered
it, as in the perfumed honey of the Crimea. In some parts of
Asia and America, poisonous honey is met with, from the bees
feeding on poisonous flowers. Neumann exsiccated honey in the
water bath: the vapour which arose, he says, took fire on the ap-
proach of a candle, and diffused its smell widely, and the liquor
which was condensed was manifestly impregnated, both with the
smell and taste of honey, and amounted to three ounces upon
eight of honey.
Medical use, — From the earliest ages it has been employed as
a medicine. Besides the general properties of saccharine bodies,
it possesses others peculiar to itself, probably depending on the
presence of an acid. For internal use, sugar is always to be pre-
ferred, as honey in some constitutions produces gripes and colic
pains. From its stimulus, however, it forms an excellent gargle,
and facilitates the expectoration of viscid phlegm, and is some-
times employed as an emollient application to abscesses, and as a
detergent to ulcers.
Officinal Prep a ra Tion s .
Mel despumatum, E. L. D.
acetatum, L. D.
rosae, L. D.
scillse, L. D. - - )>vide Mella medicaid.
Oxymel colchici, L.
scilla, L.
aeruginis, L.
456 Materia Medicti.
MELLA MEDICATA.— MEDICATED HONEYS.
MEL DESPUMATUM. Ed. D.
Mellis Despumatio. L.
Clarified Honey. The Clarification of Honey.
Melt the honey in a water bath, and remove the scum as it rises.
In this simple process, the honey is rendered so liquid by the
heat of the boiling water, that the wax and other lighter impurities
which it commonly contains, rise to the surface in the form of a
scum, which is easily removed. At the same time, sand or any
heavier mixture of that kind sinks to the bottom.
Honey was supposed to be peculiarly balsamic, and was there-
fore at one time much used in pharmacy. But as its saccharine
matter is absolutely of the same nature with that of sugar, and as
the extraneous matters which it always contains, make it disa-
gree with the stomachs of many individuals, the number of medi-
cated honeys has been much diminished, and their place in some
instances supplied by syrups. Medicated honeys are known to be
of a proper consistence, by allowing a small quantity to cool on a
plate; if when divided by the edge of a spoon, the portions do not
immediately unite, or if the specific gravity, when hot, be 1.26,
or 1.31, when cold.
MEL ACETATUM. L.
Oxymel Simplex. D.
Acetated Honey, Simple OxymeU
Take of
Clarified honey, two pounds;
Distilled vinegar, one pound by weight.
Boil them in a glass vessel with a gentle fire to the consistency
of a syrup. (L.)
This was once in great repute as a cooling and attenuating me-
dicine; it is scarcely used in modern practice, except in colds at-
tended with coughs, and in sore throats, for which, when diluted
with some aromatic or astringent infusion, as sage tea, rose flower
tea, &c. it makes useful gargles.
M.— Mel Rosxe. 457
OXYMEL COLCHICI. L.
Oxymel of Meadow Saffron.
Take of
The fresh root of meadow saffron, cut into thin slices, one
ounce;
Distilled vinegar, one pint;
Clarified honey, two pounds.
Macerate the root of meadow saffron, with the vinegar, in a glass
vessel, with a gentle heat, for forty-eight hours. Strain the li-
quor, pressed out strongly from the root, and add the honey.
Lastly, boil the mixture, frequently stirring it with a wooden
spoon, to the thickness of a syrup. (L.)
This is an active preparation, but its use may be entirely su-
perseded by the syrup of the same root.
MEL ROSiE. L. D.
Honey of Roses.
Take of
Dried red-rose buds, four ounces;
Boiling distilled water, three pints;
Clarified honey, five pounds.
Macerate the rose leaves in the water for six hours; then mix the
honey with the strained liquor, and boil the mixture to the
thickness of a syrup. (L.)
This preparation is not unfrequently used as a mild cooling
detergent, particularly in gargarisms for ulcerations and inflam-
mation of the mouth and tonsils. The rose buds here used should
be hastily dried, that they may the better preserve their astrin-
gency.
The Dublin college, in making this and other similar prepara-
tions, use unclarified honey, with the idea, probably, that it may
be equally well clarified in the course of the preparation itself.
This is no doubt true, but as we do not know what effect the cla-
rification may have on the active substances added to the honey,
we think that the use of clarified honey, as directed by the Lon-
don college, is preferable.
3 M
* >" .V
458 Materia Medica.
V.
r%. MEL SCILLiENL.
4 V,M£L SCILLITICUM. D.
Honey of Sguills.
Take of * ^ \ i* n \
Clarified honey, three pounds; ; ) '* * , *x
Tincture of squills, two pints.
Boil them in a glass vessel to the thickness of a syrup. (L.)
The honey will here be impregnated with all the active parts
of the squills which the tincture before contained, and may be
employed as an useful expectorant or diuretic.
OXYMEL SCILLiE. L.
Oxymel of Squills,
Take of
Clarified honey, three pounds;
Vinegar of squills, two pints.
Boil them in a glass vessel, with a slow fire, to the thickness of a
syrup. (L.)
Oxymel of squills is an useful aperient, detergent, and expec-
torant, and of great service in humoral asthmas, coughs, and
other disorders where thick phlegm abounds. It is given in doses
of two or three drachms, along with some aromatic water, as
that of cinnamon, to prevent the great nausea which it would
otherwise be apt to excite. In large doses, it proves emetic.
OXYMEL iERUGINIS. L.
Oxymel of Verdegris.
Take of
Prepared verdegris, one ounce;
Vinegar, seven ounces;
Clarified honey, fourteen ounces.
Dissolve the verdegris in the vinegar, and strain it through linen;
then add the honey, and boil the whole to a proper thickness.
(L.)
This is used only externally for cleansing foul ulcers, and keep-
ing down fungous flesh. It is also often serviceable in venereal
ulcerations of the mouth and tonsils: .but there is some danger
from its application to places from the situation of which it is apt
to be swallowed; for even a small quantity of verdegris passing
into the stomach may be productive of distressing, if not delete-
rious, effects.
M. — Melaleuca. — Melia. 459
MELALEUCA LEUCADENDRON. Oleum volatile. Ed.
Cajeputa Officinarum.
The Cajeput tree. The essential oil.
Polyadelphia Poli/andria. — Nat. ord. Hesperidea.
The tree whirh furnishes the cajeput oil is frequent on the
mountains of Amboyna, and other Molucca islands. It is obtain-
ed by distillation from the dried leaves of the smaller of two
varieties. It is prepared in great quantities, especially in the
island of Banda, and sent to Holland in copper flasks. As it
comes to us it is of a green colour, verv limpid, lighter than wa-
ter, of a strong smell, resembling camphor, and a strong pungent
taste, like that of cardamoms. It burns entirely away, without
leaving any residuum. It is often adulterated with other essential
oils, coloured with the resin of milfoil. In the genuine oil, the
green colour depends on the presence of copper; for when recti-
fied it is colourless.
Medical use. — Like other aromatic oils it is highly stimulating,
and is principally recommended in hysteria, epilepsy, flatulent
colic, and paralysis of the tongue. The dose is from one to four
drops on a lump of sugar.
It is applied externally where a warm and peculiar stimulus
is requisite; and is employed tor restoring vigour after luxations
and sprains, and for easing violent pain in gouty and rheumatic
cases, in toothach, and similar affections.
MELIA AZEDARACH.
Pride of China. Poison-berry tree. China-tree.
This is not a native of America, but is highly valuable as an
anthelmintic. The bark of the root both in substance and satura-
ted decoction, is employed. It is most useful for the lumbricus
intestinalis. It is used also in Carolina for the taenia. The pulp
of the fruit formed into an ointment with tallow, is useful in tinea
capitis. The dried berries of late have been employed in Caro-
lina with the same views.*
* Barton's Collections, Part I. p 39. 61. Part II. p. 53. See also Dr. Dewall's
Inaugural Dissertation on it, 1802.
460 Materia Medica.
MELISSA OFFICINALIS. Folia. Ed.
Melissa. D.
Balm. The leaves.
Willd.g. 1118..9/>. 1. Didynamia Gymnospermia. — Nat. ord. Ver-
ticillatce.
Balm is a perennial plant, which grows wild on the Alps and
Pyrenes, and is frequently cultivated in our gardens. It has a
pleasant smell, somewhat of the lemon kind; and a weak, rough-
ish, aromatic taste. The young shoots have the strongest flavour;
the flowers, and the herb itself when old, or produced in very
moist rich soils or rainy seasons, are much weaker both in smell
and taste.
It is principally used in the form of a watery infusion, which
is drunk in the manner of tea.
MELOE VESICATORIUS. Ed.
Cantharis. L. Cantharides. D.
Lytta Vesicatoria, Fabric'ri.
Spanish fly. Blistering fly.
Insecta, Coleoptera, Vesicantia.
D. Sfiaansche vliegen.
P. Cantaridas.
DA. Spanske finer.
POL. Kantarjdij, Hiszpanskie
F. Cantharides, Mouches
muchy.
d*Espagne.
R. Hischpanskie muchi.
G. Spanische Fliegen.
S. Cantaridas,
I. Cantarelle.
SW. Spans kafiugor.
These insects have a longish, green, and gold-shining body
with flexible geen-striped elytra, which cover the whole back of
the body, and under which are their brown membranous wings.
On their head they have two black articulated feelers. They are
found on the fraxinus, sambucus, salix, ligustrum, &c. in Spain,
Italy, France, and Germany. The largest come from Italy, but
the Spanish cantharides are preferred. They are gathered by
shaking the trees on which they are found, and catching them on
a cloth spread beneath it. They are then killed by the fumes of
vinegar, and dried carefully in a stove. The melolontha vitis is
sometimes found mixed in considerable "numbers with the cantha-
rides. They are easily distinguished by their almost square body,
and as probably they do not stimulate the skin, they should be
picked out before the cantharides are powdered.
M. — Meloe Vesicatorius. 461
The analysis of cantharides, notwithstanding the experiments
of Thouvenel and Beaupoil, is still extremely imperfect. Lewis
ascertained that their active constituent Is entirely soluble both in
water and in alcohol, for extracts made with each of these solvents
blistered as far as could be judged equally, and as effectually as
cantharides in substance. Both the residua were inactive. Neu-
mann got from 1920 grains, 920 watery, and afterwards 28 alco-
holic extract, and inversely 400 alcoholic, and 192 watery.
Medical use, — Cantharides have a peculiar nauseous smell, and
an extremely acrid, burning taste. Taken internally, they often
occasion a discharge of blood by urine, with exquisite pain: if the
dose be considerable, they seem to inflame and exulcerate the
whole intestinal canal; the stools become mucous and purulent;
the breath fetid and cadaverous; intense pains are felt in the lowei
belly: the patient faints, grows giddy, delirious, and dies. Ap-
plied to the skin, thev first inflame, and afterwards excoriate the
part, raising a more perfect blister than any of the vegetable acrids,
and occasioning a more plentiful discharge of serum. But even
the external application of cantharides is often followed by a
strangury, accompanied with thirst and feverish heat.
The inconveniences arising from the use of cantharides, whe-
ther taken internally, or applied externally, are best obviated by
drinking plentifully of bland emollient liquids, such as milk,
emulsions, &c. The specific property of counteracting cantha-
rides ascribed to camphor, has no foundation.
The internal use of cantharides is at all times doubtful, and re-
quires the most prudent management. They have, however, been
sometimes employed with success in dropsv, and in diseases of
the urinary organs, arising from debility. Thev are given in sub-
stance in very small doses, or in tincture.*
Applied externally, they are one of our best and most powerful
remedies. By proper management, they may be regulated so a^
to act as a gentle stimulus, as a rubefacient, or as a blister.
Blisters are applied,
1. To increase the activity of the system in general, by means
of their irritation.
2. To increase the activitv of a particular organ.
3. To diminish morbid aetion in particular organs, by means
of the irritation they excite in the parts to which they arc
applied.
* The tincture has been of late much recommended in tetanus, &c. and doubt-
less it has proved useful in some instances That it will not do to depend on this
alone, is evident from a case which fell under my care, (See Philadelphia Me-
dical Museum, Vol. I ) in which in two weeks the patient took about 2000 drops
of the tincture. One thousand of these were exhibited in the space of ten hours,
in doses of 100 drops an hour, without anv effect. Amer. Editor.
462 Materia Medica.
They may be employed with advantage in almost all diseases
accompanied with typhus fever, especially if any important viscus
as the brain, lungs, or liver, be at the same time particularly af-
fected. In these cases the blisters are not applied to the diseased
organs themselves, but as near them as may be convenient.
When we wish to excite action in any organ, the blisters are, if
possible, applied directly to the diseased organ.
Cantharides are employed externally, either in substance,
mixed up with wax and resin, so as to form a plaster or ointment,
or in the form of tincture.
Officinal Preparations.
Tinctura3 meloes vesicatorii, E. L. D. - vide Tincture?.
Unguentum cantharidis, E. L. D. - - Unguenta.
pulv. meloes vesicatorii, E. - Idem,
Ceratum cantharidis, L. D. - - - Idem.
Emplastrum meloes vesicatorii, E. L. D. - Idem.
compositum, E. Idem.
Lytta Vittata. Fabricius. Cantharis Vittata. Olivier.
Potatoefly. Blister fly.
This and several other species of the genus lytta, found in the
United States, are highly deserving the attention of the physicians
of America, for their epispastic properties.*
MENTHA.
Willd.g. 1102. — Didynamia Gymnospermia. — Nat. ord. Verti-
cillatce.
MENTHA VIRIDIS. Sp. 7. Mentha sativa. Herba. L. D.
Spearmint. The plant.
Spearmint is perennial, and a native of Britain. The leaves
have a warm, roughish, somewhat bitterish taste; and a strong,
not unpleasant, aromatic smell. Their virtues are stomachic and
carminative.
* See Medical Repository, Vol. III. for a paper on tb.is subject by Dr. Wood-
house.
M.— Mentha. 463
Officinal Preparations.
Aqua menthae sativae, - - vide Aqux destillatcc.
Ol. vol. menthae sativae, L. D. - - Olea volattlia.
Spiritus menthae sativae, L. Spiritus destillati.
MENTHA PIPERITA. Herba. Ed.
Mentha Piperitis. L. D.
Peppermint. The plant.
This species of mint is also perennial, and a native of Britain,
Where it is cultivated in very great quantities for the sake of its
essential oil. The leaves have a strong, rather agreeable smell,
and an intensely pungent, aromatic taste, resembling that of pep-
per, and accompanied with a peculiar sensation of coldness.
Its predominant constituents are essential oil and camphor,
both of which rise in distillation, and are combined in what is
called Oil of Peppermint.
Medical use. — Peppermint is principally used as a carminative
and antispasmodic. The distilled water is a domestic remedv for
flatulent colic, and the essential oil is often given with advantage
in doses of a few drops in cramps of the stomach.
Officinal Preparations.
Aqua menthae piperitae, E. L. D. - vide Aquce destillatce.
Ol. vol. menthae piperitae, E. L. D. - Oleavolatilia.
Spiritus menthae piperitae, E. L. - Spiritus destillati.
MENTHA PULEGIUM. Herba. Ed.
Pulegium. D. Flos. L.
Penny-royal. The herb and flower.
This is also perennial, and a native of Britain. In its sensible
qualities, it is warm, pungent, and aromatic, somewhat similar to
spearmint, but less agreeable. It is seldom used.
Officinal Preparations.
Aqua menthae pulegii, E. L. D. - vide Aquce destillati.
Ol. vol. menthae pulegii, L. D. - Olea volatiiia.
Spiritus menthae pulegii, L. - - Spiritus destillatu
464 Materia Medica.
MENYANTHES TRIFOLIATA. Folia. Ed.
Trifolium Paludosum. Herba. L. Folia. D.
Marsh-trefoil. The leaves.
Willd. g. 299. Sp. 4. Pentandria Monogynia. — Nat. ord. Rotacea.
This perennial plant is very common in marshy situations, and
is one of the most beautiful of the native flowers of Great Britain.
The leaves grow by threes on footstalks. They are excessively
bitter, and their bitterness is extracted by infusion. They are
said to be sometimes used in brewing ale, and that one ounce will
go as far as half a pound of hops.
Medical use. — A drachm of them in powder purges and vomits.
In infusion or extract they have been recommended in intermit-
tents, in several cachectic and cutaneous diseases. The dose of
the extract is from ten to twenty grains.
METALLA— METALS.
Metals are crystallizable; their form depends on the regular
tetrahedron or cube; their surface is specular; they are perfectly
opaque, even when melted; their colour is various; their lustre
peculiar and shining, or splendent; their hardness various, but at
least considerable; many of themare brittle, others possess mallea-
bility and ductility in a surprising degree, and some are scissile,
flexile, or elastic; their fracture in general is hackly; their texture
compact, fibrous or foliated; many of them are remarkably sono-
rous; their specific gravity greater than five; they possess no smell
or taste, unless when heated or rubbed; they are the best con-
ductors of caloric and electricity; are powerful agents in produc-
ing the galvanic phenomena, and a few of them are the only sub-
stances which exhibit the phenomena of magnetism. By the ac-
tion of caloric they melt, but with different degrees of facility,
and some of them may be vaporized. Except iron and platinum,
they melt suddenly, without undergoing any intermediate state
of softness; and when melted, their surface is convex and globu-
lar. They are insoluble in water, but some of them decompose
it, and are oxidized by it.
M.— Metalla. 465
Primary Compounds or the Metals.
«• With oxygen:
1. Metallic oxides.
2. Acids of arsenic, tungsten, molybdenum, chrome, and
columbium.
b. With hydrogen. Hydrogurets.
c. With carbon. Carburets.
d. With phosphorus. Phosphurets.
e. With sulphur. Sulphurets.
f. With each other. Alloys and amalgams.
They are oxidized with different degrees of facility, some by
mere exposure to air, and others seem almost to resist the action
of heat and air. Their oxidizabilit) is always increased by increase
of temperature. Their oxides are in the form of powd-.r, laminae,
or friable fragments; sometimes crystalline; of various colours,
determinate with regard to each metal; possess greater absolute
weight; are refractory, or fusible into glass; insipid, or acrid, and
styptic; in general insoluble in water; and combine either with
acids and alkalies, or only with acids. Some of those are disoxy-
genized by light alone, others by caloric, and others require hy-
drogen, carbon, &c.
Most of them are capable of combining with different propor-
tions of oxygen. Dr. Thomson proposes to call the oxides with
a minimum of oxygen Protoxides, and with additional doses
Dctitoxides, Tritoxides, &c. in succession, and the oxides with
a maximum of oxvgen Peroxides.
Hydrogen gas is capable of holding arsenic, zinc, and iron, in
solution.
Carbon unites only with iron.
The metallic phosphurets are fusible, brilliant, brittle, granu-
lated, lamellated, scarcely combustible, and permanent.
The sulphurets are brittle; crystallizable in large brilliant and
metallic laminae, more easily fusible than the refractory metals,
but less easily than the very fusible metals; decomposable by
heat, humidity, and the acids.
The mixtures of the metals with each other are termed alloys:
those in which mercury is contained are amalgams. They ac-
quire by mixture new properties, and are in general more fusible
than their components. The reguline metals are not soluble in
the acids; but when acted upon b\ them, are first oxidized, and
then dissolved. The metallic oxides, by fusion, colour glasses
and enamels.
The metals at present amount to 23, and are arranged by Dr.
Thompson under three heads, viz.
3N
466 Materia Mediea.
I. Malleable.
1 Gold, 4 Mercury, 7 Tin, 9 Nickel,
2 Platinum, 5 Copper, 8 Lead, 10 Zinc.
3 Silver, 6 Iron,
II. Brittle and easily fused,
1 Bismuth, 3 Tellurium,
2 Antimony, 4 Arsenic.
>
III. Brittle and difficultly fused.
1 Cobalt, 4 Molybdenum, 7 Chromium,
2 Manganese, 5 Uranium, 8 Columbium,
3 Tungsten, 6 Titanium, 9 Tantalium.
Those employed in medicine, are noticed in their respective
places.
MILLIPEDES. - Vide Oniscus.
MIMOSA.
Polygamia Monoecia. — Nat. ord. Lomentacece.
MIMOSA CATECHU. Extractum ligni. Ed.
Catechu. Succus spissatus. L. D.
Catechu. The extract of the wood.
This tree is a native of Hindostan. The extract of catechu,
which was formerly termed, with peculiar impropriety, Japan
earth, is principally prepared from the internal coloured part of
the wood by decoction, evaporation, and exsiccation in the sun.
But catechu is also prepared in India from several other species
of mimosa, and even from the woods, barks, and fruits of other
genera.
There are two kinds of this extract; one is sent from Bombay,
the other from Bengal. The extract from Bombay is of a uniform
texture, and of a red brown tint, its specific gravity being gene-
rally about 1.39. The extract from Bengal is more friable and less
consistent. Its colour is like that of chocolate externally; but when
broken, its fracture presents streaks of chocolate and of red brown.
Its specific gravity is about 1.28. Their tastes are precisely simi-
lar, being astringent, but leaving in the mouth a sensation of
sweetness. They do not deliquesce or apparently change by ex-
posure to the air, and are not fusible.
M. — Mimosa. 467
By Mr. Davy's analysis, 200 grains gave
BOMBAY. BENGAL.
Tannin, 109 97
Peculiar extractive matter, 68 73
Mucilage, 13 16
Residual matter, chiefly sand and calca-
reous earth, ... 10 14»
This more exact analysis confirms the observations made by
Dr. Duncan in the former edition of the Edinburgh Dispen-
satory.
Medical use.— ~lt may be usefully employed for most purposes
where an astringent is indicated; and it is particularly useful in
alvine fluxes. Besides this, it is employed also in uterine proflu-
via, in laxity and debility of the viscera in general, in catarrhal
affections, and various other diseases where astringents art- indi-
cated. It is often suffered to dissolve leisurely in the mouth, as a
topical astringent for laxities and exulcerations of the gums, for
aphthous ulcers in the mouth, and similar affections: and it is in
some other cases applied externally, both under the form of so-
lution and of ointment.
Officinal Preparations.
Infusum mimosae catechu, F. vide Infusa.
Electuarium mimosae catechu, E. D. - - Electuaria.
Tinctura mimosae catechu, E. L. - - - Tinctures.
MIMOSA NILOTICA. Gummi. Ed.
Gummi Arabicum. L. D.
Gum- Arabic.
This species of mimosa grows in Arabia Petraeaand Egypt.
The greatest quantity of pure gum, commonly called Gum-Ara-
bic, is furnished by this tree, from which it exudes either sponta-
neously, or from incisions made into the bark, and afterwards
hardens in the air. But a similar gum may be obtained from all
the species of mimosa, and from many other trees, such as the
Swietenia febrifuga, Melia azadirachta, and the different species
of Terminalia. It is remarkable that the barks of all the trees
which furnish this bland mucilaginous substance, are highly astrin-
gent; that of the mimosa nilotica itself is used in India for tanning;
and in our own country, the cherry and plum trees, which some-
times yield a little gum, have very astringent barks.
There are two kinds of gum found in the shops, and sold under
the same name, Gum- Arabic which comes from the Levant, and
i
468
Materia Medica.
East-India gum. Gum-Arabic consists of roundish transparent
tears, of a yellowish colour, shining fracture, without smell or
taste, and perfectly soluble in water. The pieces which are most
transparent and have least colour are reckoned the best. The}7
are selected from the Gum-Arabic in sorts, and sold for about
double the price, under the title of picked gum. The East-India
gum is darker coloured than Gum-Arabic, and is not so readily-
soluble in water. Dr. Duncan possesses a mass of gum gathered
from a mimosa in New S^uth Wales by Mr. Jamieson, who is
engaged in preparing for the press a most splendid and scientific
description of that countrv. It is darker coloured even than East-
India gum, and is also less soluble than it: for when suspended
in water, it gives off white films which float through the muci-
lage. But its most remarkable property is, that it does not preci-
pitate silicized potass, in which respect it agrees, as far as the
Doctor's experiments go, with gum collected in the neighbour-
hood of Edinburgh from the common cherry and plum trees.
It is also remarkable that the coarsest gum forms the thickest
mucilage; at least Botany-bay gum forms a thicker mucilage than
East-India gum, and this than Gum-Arabic.
Medical use — It possesses the powers of a mucilaginous de-
mulcent in a high degree; and is frequently exhibited in diarrhoea,
dysentery, chincough, hoarseness, strangury, &c; and is an ex-
tremely useful article for giving form to some remedies, and for
correcting the acrimony of others.
Officinal Preparations.
Mucilago mimosse niloticse, E. L. D.
Emulsio arabica, D.
Mixtura moschata, L.
cretacea, L. D.
Decoctum cornu cervi, L.
Trochisci carbonatis calcis, L.
glycyrrhizse, E.
cum opio, E.
gummosi, E. D.
Pulvis cretse compositus, L.
tragacanthse compositus, L.
vide Mucilagines.
Mixtures.
Idem.
Idem.
Decocta.
Trochisci.
Idem.
Idem.
Idem.
Puheres.
Idem.
M. — Mixture. 469
MIXTURE & EMULSIONES.
MIXTURES AND EMULSIONS.
Under these heads are comprehended those mixtures in which
oils and other substances insoluble in water are mixed with, and
suspended in, watery fluids, by means of viscid substances, such
as mucilage and syrups.
EMULSIO AMYGDALAE COMMUNIS. Ed.
Almond Emulsion.
Lac Amygdala. L. Lac Amygdalarum. D.
Almond Milk.
Take of
Sweet almonds, an ounce and a half;
Double refined sugar, half an ounce;
Distilled water, two pints.
Beat the almonds with the sugar; then, rubbing them together,
add by degrees the water, and strain the liquor. (L. D.)
EMULSIO GUMMI MIMOSA NILOTICiE; vulgo EpL-
sio Arabica. Ed.
Emulsio Arabica. D.
Arabic Emulsion.
This is made in the same manner as the almond emulsion; only
adding, while beating the almonds,
Mucilage of gum arabic, two ounces. (E.)
These possess nearly the same qualities, and are merely me-
chanical suspensions of oil of almonds in watery fluids, by means
either of the mucilage with which it is naturally combined in the
almonds by itself, or assisted by the addition of gum arabic and
sugar. Therefore, on standing for some days, the oily matter
separates and rises to the top, not in a pure form, but like thick
cream. By heat the same decomposition is immediately effected.
Great care should be taken that the almonds have not become
rancid by keeping, which not only renders the emulsion extreme-
ly unpleasant, a circumstance of great consequence in a medicine
that requires to be taken in large quantities, but likewise gives it
injurious qualities.
I
470 Materia Medica.
The almonds are blanched by infusing them in boiling water,
and peeling them. The success of the preparation depends upon
beating the almonds to a smooth pulp, and triturating them with
each portion of the watery fluid, so as to form an uniform mix-
ture before another portion be added.
These liquors are principally used for diluting and correcting
acrimonious humours; particularly in heat of urine and strangu-
ries, arising either from a natural acrimony of the juices, or from
the operation of cantharides, and other irritating medicines: in
these cases, they are to be drunk frequently, to the quantity of
half a pint or more at a time.
EMULSIO CAMPHORATA. Ed.
Camphorated Emulsion.
Mistuiia Gamphorata. L.
Camphorated Mixture.
Take of
Camphor, one scruple;
Sweet almonds, blanched, two drachms;
Double refined sugar, one drachm;
Water, six ounces.
This is to be made in the same manner as the common emulsion.
(E.)
This mixture is not very permanent, as the camphor separates
and swims upon the surface in the course of a few days. As an
extemporaneous prescription, however, it is a very convenient
mode of exhibiting that active drug, and may be given to the ex-
tent of a table spoonful every three or four hours in typhoid
fevers.
LAC AMMONIACI. L. D.
Emulsion of Gum Ammoniac.
Take of
Gum ammoniac, two drachms;
Distilled water, half a pint.
Rub the gum resin with the water, gradually poured on, until it
becomes an emulsion. (L.)
In the same manner may be made an* emulsion of assa foetida,
and of the rest of the gum resins.
The lac ammoniaci is employed for attenuating tough phlegm,
and promoting expectoration, in humoral asthmas, coughs, and
M. — Mixture. 471
©bstructions of the viscera. It may be given in the quantity of
two spoonfuls twice a-day.
The lac assse foetidae is employed in spasmodical, hysterical,
and other nervous affections. And it is also not unfrequ«^ntly
used under the form of injection. It answers the same purposes
as assa fcetida in substance.
MISTURA MOSCHATA. L.
Musk Mixture,
Take of
Musk, two scruples;
Gum arabic, powdered,
Double refined sugar, of each one drachm;
Rose water, six ounces, by measure.
Rub the musk first with the sugar, then with the gum, and add
the rose water by degrees. (L.)
Unless the musk be very thoroughly triturated with the sugar
and gum before the addition of the water it soon separates. An
ounce, or an ounce and a half, may be taken for a dose.
POTIO CARBONATIS CALCIS; olim, Potio Cretacea.
Ed.
Chalk Potion.
Mistura Cretacea. L. D«
Chalk Mixture.
Take of
Prepared carbonate of lime, one ounce;
Double refined sugar, half an ounce;
Mucilage of gum arabic, two ounces.
Triturate together, and then gradually add of
Water, two pounds and a half;
Spirit of cinnamon, two ounces.
Mix them. (E.)
This is a very elegant form of exhibiting chalk, and is an use-
ful remedy in diseases arising from, or accompanied with, acidity
in the primse viae. It is frequently employed in diarrhea pro-
ceeding from that cause. The mucilage not only serves to keep
the chalk uniformly diffused, but also improves its virtues. The
dose of this medicine requires no nicety. It may be taken to the
extent of a pound or two in the course of a day.
472 Materia Medica.
ENEMA CATHARTICUM. Dub.
•
Purging Clyster.
Take of
Manna, one ounce.
Dissolve in ten ounces, by measure, of
Compound decoction of chamomile; then add of
Olive oil, one ounce;
Sulphate of magnesia, half an ounce.
Mix them.
ENEMA FCETIDUM. Dub.
Fetid Enema
Is made by adding to the former two drachms of the tincture of
assa fcetida.
These are very useful extemporaneous preparations.
MOMORDICA ELATERIUM. Fructus recens submaturus,
Ed.
Cucumis Agrestis. L. D.
tVild cucumber. The fresh fruity when almost ripe.
Monoecia Syngenesia. — Nat. ord. Cucurbitacece.
This plant is a native of the south of Europe, and is perennial.
When cultivated in Great Britain, it does not survive the winter.
The fruit is oblong, about an inch and a half long, and an inch in
diameter. It is of a green colour, and beset with stiff hairs.
When nearly ripe, it bursts on a slight touch, separates from its
stalk, and sheds its seeds with great violence. From this cir-
cumstance, it was named by the Greeks Elaterium, which name
was also applied to the faecula of the juice of the fruit, the only
preparation used in medicine. '
Medical use. — In a few grains it operates as a drastic purga-
tive, and is sometimes used in dropsies.
Officinal Preparation.
JSuccus spissatus momordicse elaterii^ E. L. D. videSucci spissati.
M. — Morus. — Moschus. 473
MORUS NIGRA. Morus. Fructus. L.
Mulberry tree. The fruit.
Monoecia Tetrandria. — Nat. ord. Scabridce.
This tree, which is supposed to have come originally from
Persia, bears the cold of the winters, and ripens its fruits in Eng-
land. The fruit has the same properties with other sub-acid fruits.
Its juice contains tartaric acid.
Officinal Preparation.
Syrupus succi fructus mori. L. vide Syrupi.
MOSCHUS MOSCHIFERUS. Materia infolliculo propeum-
bilicum collecta. Ed.
Moschus. L. D.
The musk deer. Musk. The substance contained in a follicle situated
near the navel.
Mammalia.
D. Muskus. P. Almiscar.
DA. Desmer. POL. Pizmo.
F. Muse. R. Muscus.
G. Bisam. S. Almizele.
I. Muschio. SW. Desman.
The musk animal is an inhabitant of the most elevated region
of Asia, particularlv of the Altayan Alps, and the mountains
which divide Thibet from China. It is a gentle and timid animal,
and its chase is difficult and dangerous. Its general form resem-
bles the deer tribe, and it is about three feet in length. In the male,
behind the navel and before the prepuce, there is situated an oval
bag, flat on one side and convex on the other, about three inches
long and two broad, projecting about an inch, and having a small
open orifice, beset with short hairs, which is empty in the young
animal, but in the adult is filled with a secreted matter, known by
the name of musk. When the bag becomes too full, the animal
expresses part of its contents by rubbing itself against stones or
trees. The musk expressed in this manner is said to be the purest,
but none of it probably reaches this country. The best musk is
brought from Tonquin, an inferior sort from Agria and Bengal,
and a still worse from Russia.
Fine musk comes to us in round thin bladders: which are gene-
30
474 Materia Medica.
rally about the size of a pigeon's egg, covered with short brown
hairs, lined with a thin brown membrane, well filled, and without
any appearance of having been opened. The musk itself is dry,
with a kind of unctuosity, of a dark reddish brown, or rusty black-
ish colour, in small round grains, with very few hard black clots,
and perfectly free from sandy or other visible foreign matter. If
chewed and rubbed with a knife on paper, it looks smooth, bright,
yellowish, and is free from grittiness. Laid on a red-hot iron, it
catches flame, and burns almost entirely away, leaving only an
exceeding small quantity of light greyish ashes. The largest and
fullest bag scarcely contains more than two drachms of musk.
Its taste is somewhat bitterish, and its smell extremely power-
ful and peculiar. Neumann got from 30 grains of musk 12 of
watery and 4 of alcoholic extract; and inversely, 10 of alcoholic
and 6 of watery. Its smell and taste were elevated in distillation
with water, but not with alcohol. Neither the fixed nor volatile
oils dissolved it.
The very great price of musk has given rise to many modes of
adulterating it. To increase its weight, sand, and even particles
of lead are introduced through very small openings into the bags.
The real musk is frequently abstracted from the bag, and its
place supplied with dry and coarsely powdered blood, or some
mixture with asphaltum. These adulterations are to be detected
by discovering that the bag has been opened. The presence of
blood is also known by the fetid smell it emits when heated suf-
ficiently, and by the formation of ammonia when rubbed with
potass. Asphaltum is known by its shining fracture and melting
on hot iron, while musk is converted into charcoal. But there
are even artificial bags filled with a composition containing some
real musk. These are in general thicker, and covered with longer
hair, and want the internal brown membrane which lines the real
musk-bag.
Medical use. — Musk is a medicine of very great efficacy, and
for which in some cases, there is hardly any substitute. When
properly administered, it sometimes succeeds in the most despe-
rate circumstances. It raises the pulse, without heating much; it
allays spasms, and operates remarkably on the brain, increasing
the powers of thought, sensation, and voluntary motion.
It may be employed in every instance of typhus fever, especi-
allv when attended with delirium, or spasmodic affection cf any
particular organ, or of the whole system, or subsultus tendinum,
&c. It is also used with the greatest benefit in exanthematous and
phlegmonic diseases, accompanied with typhoid fever; and in
many spasmodic affections, as chincough, epilepsy, trismus, &c.
It is most conveniently given in substance in powder, in doses
of three grains or upwards, repeated every one or two hours. Its
best preparation is the tincture.
M. — Mucilagines. 475
Officinal Preparations.
Tinctura moschi, D. - vide Tincture
Mistura raoschata, L. - Mixtures
MUCILAGINES.— MUCILAGES.
MUCILAGO AMYLI. Ed. L.
Mucilage of Starch.
Take of
Starch, half an ounce;
Water, one pound.
Triturate the starch, gradually adding the water; then boil them
a little. (E. L.)
The London college use only three drachms of starch to one
pound of water. The mucilage thus formed is very useful in
those cases where a glutinous substance is required; it is often
successfully employed as a clyster, in diarrhoeas depending on
acrimony in the intestines.
MUCILAGO ASTRAGALI TRAGACANTH.E. Ed.
Mucilage of Gum Tragacanth.
Mucilago TragacanthjE. L.
MUCILAGO GUMMI TRAGAC ANTHvE. D-
Mucilage of Tragacanth.
Take of
Tragacanth, half an ounce,
Distilled water, ten ounces, by measure.
Macerate them, with a gentle heat, till the tragacanth be dis*
solved. (L.)
Gum Tragacanth is difficultly soluble in water. When ma-
cerated in it, it swells, but does not dissolve. To effect the solu-
tion it must be beaten into a paste with some of the water; and
the rest of the water must be added gradually, and incorporated
with the paste by beating them together. Gum tragacanth is a
very tenacious substance, and requires a very large proportion of
water to form a fluid mucilage. That of the Edinburgh college,
which is made with eight parts of water, is a paste rather than a
mucilage. The London mucilage is made with twenty parts of
water, and the Dublin with sixty-four.
476 Materia Medica.
MUCILAGO MIMOSA NILOTICjE. Ed.
Mucilago Arabici Gummi. L. D.
Mucilage of Gum Arabic.
Take of
Gum Arabic, in powder, one part;
Boiling water, two parts.
Digest, with frequent agitation, until the gum be dissolved; then
press the mucilage through linen. (E.)
It is very necessary to pass the mucilage through linen, in
order to free it from pieces of wood and other impurities, which
always adhere to the gum: the linen may be placed in a funnel.
Mucilage of gum arabic is very useful in many operations in
pharmacy; it is also much used for properties peculiar to those
substances of its own class, and of all the gums it seems to be the
purest.
Officinal Preparations.
Infusum corticis Peruviani, D. - vide Infusa,
Emulsio arabica, E. - - - - - Mixture
Potio carbonatis calcis, E. Idem.
MUCILAGO SEMINUM CYDONII MALI. L.
Mucilage of Quince-seed. *
Take of
Quince-seeds, one drachm;
Distilled water, eight ounces, by measure.
Boil with a slow fire for ten minutes; then pass it through
linen. (L.)
This mucilage, though sufficiently agreeable, is perfectly su-
perfluous, especially as it is apt to spoil, from being mixed with
the other principles of the seeds soluble in water. It is besides
never so transparent as mucilage carefully prepared from gum
arabic, is not cheaper, and is unfit for many purposes, being co-
agulated by acids.
M.— Murias. 477
MURIAS.— MUBL4TE.
Muriate is the generic term for those secondary compounds
which contain muriatic acid.
The muriates may be divided into three families:
1. Alkaline muriates, soluble in water, fusible, and vaporizable
without decomposition, forming no precipitate with alkaline car-
bonates.
2. Earthy muriates, soluble in water in general, decomposable
by heat, forming a white precipitate with alkaline carbonates.
3. Metalline muriates. The muriatic acid is capable of combin-
ing with many metals, in two states of oxidizement. The muriates
which contain the metal in the state of protoxide, are in general
very acrid, and soluble both in water and alcohol. The muriates
which contain the metal in the state of peroxide are often insolu-
ble, have a white colour, and contain an excess of base, or are sub-
muriates. The muriates are also the most volatile metalline salts,
and often rise undecomposed in sublimation or distillation.
The Muriates have a more or less pure salt taste. They are not
acted upon by any combustible body. They are all soluble in
water, and are the most volatile and most difficultly decomposed
by heat of the neutral salts. They emit white fumes with the sul-
phuric acid, and oxy-muriatic acid gas with the nitric.
Officinal Preparations.
Murias ammoniae, - - vide Ammonia*
antimonii, - Antimonium.
barvta?, .... Baryta,
calcis, - - Calx.
hydrargyri, - Hydrargyrum.
jsodse,
MURIAS SODjE. Ed.
Sal Muriaticus. L. Sal Communis. D.
Muriate of soda. Cdmmon sea-salt.
D. Zout. P. Sal.
DA. Salt. POL. Sol.
F. Sel. R. Sol.
G. Salz. S. Sal.
I. Sale. SW. &dt.
478 Materia Medica.
This is the most common of all the neutral salts. It is not only
found in immense masses, on and under, the earth's surface, and
contained in great quantities in many salt springs, but it is the
cause of the saltness of the sea.
Native muriate of soda presents two varieties, the lamellar and
fibrous. It is found in Poland, Hungary, Spain, England, &c.
When not perfectly pure, it is purified by solution and crystalli-
zation.
Salt springs occur in many parts of the world. The quantity
of muriate of soda contained in these varies, from an inconside-
rable quantity, even up to one third.
Sea- water also varies much in strength. It is said to contain
most salt in warm climates, and at great depths.
Muriate of soda, as obtained from these natural solutions of it
by evaporation and crystallization, is seldom pure, but commonly
mixed with earthy muriates, which being deliquescent salts, dis-
pose it to attract moisture from the atmosphere. It may, however,
be purified by precipitating the earths by means of carbonate of
soda, or by washing the crystallized salt with a saturated solu-
tion of muriate of soda, heated to ebullition. In this state it is not
capable of dissolving any more muriate of soda, but will dissolve
a considerable quantity of the earthy muriates.
Muriate of soda has a pure salt taste, is soluble in 2.8 times its
weight of water at 60°, and in 2.76 at 212°. It is not soluble in
alcohol. By the action of heat it first decrepitates, then melts,
and lastly, sublimes without decomposition. The primitive form
of its crystals is cubic, and they are permanent in the atmosphere.
According to Kirwan, they consist of 38.88 muriatic acid, 53.
soda, and 8.12 water. It is decomposed by the sulphuric and ni-
tric acids, by potass and baryta, by secondary salts containing
these, and by metalline salts, whose base forms an insoluble com-
pound with muriatic acid. It is also gradually decomposed by
lime, iron, and litharge.
Medical use. — Muriate of soda is one of the most important
articles in the arts, and in domestic economy. As a medicine, it
is useful in some cases of dyspepsia; and in large doses it is said
to check vomiting of blood. It is a common ingredient in stimu-
lating clysters, and is sometimes applied externally as a fomenta-
tion to bruises, or in the form of bath, as a gentle stimulus to the
whole surface of the body.
Officinal Preparations.
Murias sodae exsiccatus, E. D.
Acidum muriaticum, E. L. D.
Murias antimonii, E. L. D. - - vide Antimonium.
Sub-murias hydrargyri prsecipitatus, E. L. D. Hydrargyrum.
M. — Acidum Muriaticunn 479
MURIAS SODiE EXSICCATUS. Ed.
Sal-Communis Exsiccatus. D.
Dried Muriate of Soda. Dried Common Salt.
Take of
Common salt, any quantity,
Roast it over the fire in a wide iron vessel, until it cease to de-
crepitate, agitating it from time to time. (E. D.)
By this process the muriate of soda is reduced into the state
in which it is employed for the distillation of muriatic acid. It
not only deprives it entirely of its water of crystallization, which,
from being variable in quantity, would otherwise render the acid
obtained unequal in strength, but also destroys some colouring-
matter it contains; for if we prepare muriatic acid from crystal-
lized muriate of soda, we obtain a coloured muriatic acid, while
the dried muriate furnishes a perfectly colourless one.
Officinal Preparations.
Acidum muriaticum, E. L. D.
Murias hydrargyri, E. L. D. . vide Hydrargyrum.
ACIDUM MURIATICUM. Ed. L. D.
Muriatic Acid.
Take of
Muriate of soda, two pounds;
Sulphuric acid, sixteen ounces;
Water, one pound.
Heat the muriate of soda for some time red-hot in a pot, and af-
ter it has cooled, put it into a retort. Then pour upon the mu-
riate of soda the acid mixed with the water and allowed to cool.
Lastly, distil in a sand bath, with a moderate fire, as long as
any acid is produced.
The specific gravity of this acid is to that of distilled water as
11 70 to 1000. (E.)
In this process the muriate of soda is decomposed, and the mu-
riatic acid disengaged by the superior affinity of the sulphuric
acid. But as muriatic acid is a permanently-elastic fluid, the ad-
dition of the water is absolutely necessary for its existence in a
fluid form. Some operators put a portion of water into the re-
ceiver for the purpose of absorbing the muriatic acid gas, which
is first disengaged; the colleges, however, order the whole of the
480 Materia Medica.
water to be previously mixed with the sulphuric acid. This mix-
ture must not be made in the retort itself; for the heat pro-
duced is so great, that it would not only endanger the breaking
of the vessel, but occasion considerable loss and inconvenience
by the sudden disengagement of muriatic gas.
The muriate of soda is directed to be heated to redness before
It be introduced into the retort, that the whole of the water of
crystallization may be expelled, which being variable in quantity,
would otherwise affect the strength of the acid produced; and be-
sides, without this precaution, the acid obtained is too high co-
loured.
Mr. Accum has said, that the quantity of sulphuric acid pre-
scribed by the London college for obtaining this acid is much too
large, and that the proportion of sulphuric acid prescribed for
preparing the nitric acid is much too small; but in neither criti-
cism is he correct.
If a common retort and receiver be employed for this distilla-
tion, they must not be luted perfectly close; for if any portion of
the gas should not be absorbed by the water employed, it must be
allowed to escape; but the process will be performed with great-
er economy, and perfect safety, in a Woulfe's, or some similar
apparatus.
The residuum in the retort consists principally of sulphate of
soda, which may be purified by solution and crystallization.
If properly prepared, the muriatic acid is perfectly colourless,
and possesses the other properties already enumerated; but in the
shops it is very seldom found pure. It almost always contains
iron, and very frequently sulphuric acid or copper. The copper is
detected by the blue colour produced by super-saturating the acid
with ammonia, the iron by the black or blue precipitate formed
with tincture of galls or prussiate of potass. The sulphuric acid
may be easily gx)t rid of by re-distilling the acid from a small
quantity of dried muriate of soda. But Mr. Hume discovered
that muriate of baryta is precipitated when poured into muriatic
acid, although it contain no sulphuric acid.
Medical use. — In its effects on the animal economy, and the
mode of its employment, it coincides with the sulphuric and ni-
tric acids, which almost proves that they do not act by oxygenizing
the system, as the muriatic acid cannot be disoxygenized by any
substance or process with which we are acquainted.
Officinal Preparations*
Sulphas sod ye, E. L. D. - - - vide Soda.
Hydro-sulphuretum ammonia;, E. - Ammonia.
Murias baryta?, E. Baryta.
Solutio muriatis calcis, E. - - - c - Calx.
M. — Acidum Muriaticum, &c. 481
Oxygenized Muriatic Acid.
The vapours of this powerfully-oxygenizing acid have been
recommended by Morveau as the best means of destroying con-
tagion. As, however, they are deleterious to animal life, they
cannot be employed in every situation. Where applicable, they
are easily disengaged by mixing together ten parts of muriate of
soda, and two parts of black oxide of manganese in powder, and
pouring upon the mixture first four parts of water, and then six
parts of sulphuric acid. Fumes of oxygenized muriatic acid are
immediately disengaged.
Morveau has since contrived what he calls Dis-infecting or
Preservative phials. If intended to be portable, 46 grains of black
oxide of manganese in coarse powder are to be put into a strong
glass phial of about 1\ cubic inches capacity, with an accurately-
ground stopper, to which must be added about T4^ of a cubic inch
of nitric acid of 1.4 specific gravity, and an equal bulk of muriatic
acid of 1.134; the stopper is then to be replaced, and the whole
secured by inclosing the phial in a strong wooden case, with a cap
which screws down so as to keep the stopper in its place. They
are to be used by simply opening the phial without approaching
it to the nose, and shutting it as soon as the smell of the muriatic
gas is perceived. A phial of this kind, if properly prepared, will
not lose its power after many years' use. For small wards, strong
bottles, with ground stoppers an inch in diameter, of about 25 or
27 cubic inches of capacity, may be used, with 372 grains of the
oxide, and 3.5 inches of each of the acids, and the stopper kept in
its place by leaden weights; or for larger wards, very strong glass
jars, about 43 cubic inches in capacity, containing a drachm of the
oxide, and 6 inches of each of the acids. These jars are to be co-
vered with a plate of glass, adjusted to them by grinding with
emery, and kept in its place by a screw. In no case is the mixture
to occupy more than one third of the vessel.
Muriatic acid gas is transparent and colourless. It destrovs life,
and extinguishes flame. Its specific gravity is 0.002315. Water
is capable of dissolving about an equal weight of it. Its specific
gravity is then 1.500; it is generally of a pale yellow colour: is
very volatile, and emits white fumes of a peculiar unpleasant
odour. The gas decomposes alcohol and oil, and destroys putrid
exhalations. It is farther oxygenized by the nitric acid.
Oxygenized muriatic acid (or by contraction, oxy-muriatic acid)
gas, is composed of muriatic acid 84 and oxygen 16. It is of a
yellow colour, and very pungent smell, and acrid taste. It supports
flame, but is deleterious when respired. It destroys the vegetable
colours. It oxvgenizes all oxvgenizable substances, and repasses
3 P
J
482 Materia Medica.
to the state of muriatic acid. It is decomposed by light. It does
not unite readily with water. Water when saturated with it
weighs 1.003.
The oxy -muriates have lately had their existence rendered
doubtful by Mr. Chenevix.
Hyper-oxygenized muriatic acid consists of muriatic acid 35^
and oxygen 65. It has not been obtained in a separate state.
Hyper-oxy-muriates give out very pure oxygen gas by the
action of caloric, and become muriates. Their acid is expelled
from them with noise, by the stronger acids; and they inflame
combustible bodies, even spontaneously, and with detonation.
AQUA ALCALINA OXYMURIATICA. Duh.
Oxymuriatic Alkaline Water.
Take of
Dried muriate of soda, two pounds;
Manganese, in powder, one pound;
Water,
Sulphuric acidj each two pounds.
Put into a matrass the muriate of soda and manganese, mixed,
and pour on the water; then, by means of a proper apparatus,
add gradually, and at different times, the sulphuric acid, and
let the gas evolved pass through a liquor, consisting of
Carbonate of kali, four ounces;
Water, twenty-nine ounces, by measure.
Towards the end of the operation, heat the matrass moderately.
The specific gravity of this liquor is 1087.
This is a solution of the oxymuriate of potass; for the carbo-
nate of potass in the receiver is decomposed by the oxymuriatic
gas disengaged in the matrass, by the action of the sulphuric acid
on the oxide of manganese and muriate of soda. A mixed sul-
phate of soda and manganese remains in the retort, while the
oxygen and the muriatic acid, disengaged, unite in their nascent
state, and form oxymuriatic acid, which escapes in the form of
gas.
Medical use. — The oxymuriate of potass was, for a time, much
extolled in the cure of syphilis; but it is now rarely, if at all,
used. It was also recommended, as an oxygenizing remedy, in
typhus, scurvy, and other diseases, supposed to depend on a de-
ficiency of oxygen in the system. It was recommended in dose*
of from five to fifteen grains, three times a-day; but even two
hundred grains have been given daily, without much effect.
M. — Myristica Moschata. 483
AQUA OXYMURIATICA. Dub.
Oxymuriatic Water.
This is prepared, in a proper apparatus, by making the superfluous
gas of the former operation pass through a pound of distilled
water. Its, specific gravity is 1203.
Water absorbs a small portion of oxymuriatic gas; and the
solution has been recommended in scarlatina. But for the most
important use of this singular acid, we must refer to what we
have said under muriatic acid.
MYRISTICA MOSCHATA. Fructus nucleus, Nux Moschata
dictus. Macis. Hujus oleum fxum, Oleum Macis dictum. Ole-
um volatile. Ed.
Myristica. Fructus nucleus, Nux Moschata dictus. Oleum
essentials Oleum expressum, Oleum Macis vulgo dictum
Macis. L.
Nux Moschata. Oleum essentials Oleum expressum. Involu-
crum, Macis dictum. D.
The nutmeg tree. The kernel of the fruit, commonly called Nut-
meg. Its essential oil. Its expressed oil, called' Oil of Mace. The
involucrum of the nut {mace).
Monoecia Monandria. — Nat. ord. Oleracece.
D. Muskaatnooten, Nootemus- P. JSfoz moscada.
kaat. POL. Muszatoiva galka.
DA.Muskadnb'dder. R. Muskatnue oreschRh
f. JVoix de Muscade. S. JVuez muscada.
G. Muscatniisse. SW, Muakot.
I. JVbci muscade. ..
D. Foelie, Foely, Muscaat- P. Macis, Flor de noz wo,^
bloom. cada.
DA. Muskatblomer. POL. Muskatoivy kwiat.
F. Macis, Fleur de Muscade. R. Muskatnoizwet.
G. Muskatbluthe. S. Macio.
I. Mace. SW. Muskottblomma.
The tree which furnishes this elegant spice is a native of the
Molucca islands. It is not, however, cultivated in any of them
except Banda, from which all Europe has been hitherto supplied
with mace and nutmeg. The entire fruit is about the size of a
peach, and is marked with a longitudinal furrow. The external
covering is smooth, fleshy, and bitter. As the fruit ripens, this
i
484 Materia Medica.
bursts and discloses the mace, which is an oily membranous pulp7
of a dark-red colour and aromatic flavour, divided into narrow
branched slips. Within the mace is inclosed the nut, which con-
sists of a brown, thin, hard shell, and a fat perenchymatous ker-
nel, of an oval shape. The fruit is gathered three times a-year.
The external covering is separated on the spot, and the mace and
nut carried home, where they are carefully dried in the sun. Af-
ter they are dried, the nutmegs are dipt in lime water, and the
mace is sprinkled with salt water, probably to preserve them from
the attacks of insects.
Mace by drying acquires a reddish-yellow colour. When good,
it is flexible, thin, oily, of a deep colour, strong agreeable smell,
and an aromatic, bitterish, acrid taste. When brittle, divided into
fewer slips of a whitish or pale yellow colour, and of little smell
or taste, it is to be rejected.
Neumann got from 7680 parts of mace, 2160 alcoholic, and
1200 watery extract; and inversely, 1920 watery, and 1440 alco-
holic extract, with 300 of volatile oil heavier than water, which
arose during the inspissation of the watery extract. The express-
ed oil of mace is less consistent than that of nutmegs.
Nutmegs are oval, flattened at both ends, ofca grey-brown co-
lour, and reticularly furrowed on the outside, of a yellow colour
within, variegated with brown undulating lines, solid, hard, unc-
tuous to the feel, and easily cut with a knife; and have a balsamic
smell, and agreeable aromatic taste. The small round nutmegs
are better than the large oval ones; and they should have a strong
smell and taste, and should neither be worm-eaten, musty, nor
variegated with black lines. Their activity is, however, confined
to the dark coloured veins which are not apt to be worm-eaten.
Neumann got from 1920 parts of nutmeg, 480 of an oily alco-
holic extract, and 280 watery, with 320 fixed oil: these two last
were both insipid: and inversely 600 watery extract, with 50 of
fixed oil, which rose to the surface during the inspissation, and 10
of volatile oil which distilled over; and afterwards, 120 unctuous
alcoholic extract, and 300 more of fixed oil. By expression 1920
gave 540 of oil, and afterwards 480 of watery extract, a pretty
strongly tasted distilled water, and 80 unctuous alcoholic extract,
with 60 of insipid fixed oil.
Officinal Preparations.
Spiritus nucis moschatae, E. L. D. vide Spiritus destillati.
lavandulae compositus, E. L. D. Tincturce.
Pulvis carbonatis calcis compositus, E. Pulveres.
Confectio aromatica, D. L. - * - Electuaria*
Electuarium catechu, E. D. - - Idem,
Trochisci carbonatis calcis, E. - - , Trochisci*
M. — Myristica Moschata* 485
Volatile oil of Nutmeg.
By distillation nutmegs yield a considerable quantity of essen-
tial oil, of a whitish yellow colour, lighter than water, and pos-
sessing the aromatic taste and smell in an eminent degree. In
doses of a few drops it is a powerful carminative and stomachic.
Officinal Preparation.
Spiritus alkali vol. aromaticus, D. - vide Tincturavolatiles.
Expressed oil of Mace.
Nutmegs also yield by expression a considerable quantity of
limpid yellow oil, which on cooling concretes into a sebaceous
consistence. They are previously beaten to a soft paste in a warm
mortar, then inclosed in a linen bag, exposed to the vapour of
hot water, and squeezed in a press, of which the plates have been
heated.
It is a mixture of the volatile oil, on which their flavour de-
pends, and of a fixed oil, of a white colour, without taste or smell;
and as the properties which characterize it depend on the pre-
sence of the volatile oil, the denomination of Fixed Oil, applied
to it by the Edinburgh college, is less correct than that of Ex-
pressed Oil, given to it by the other colleges, from the manner of
its preparation.
In the shops we meet with three sorts of unctuous substances
called Oil of Mace, though really expressed from the nutmeg.
The best is brought from the East Indies in stone jars; this is of
a thick consistence, of the colour of mace, and an agreeable fra-
grant smell: the second sort, which is paler coloured, and much
inferior in quality, comes from Holland in solid masses, generallv
flat and of a square figure: the third, which is the worst of all,
and usually called Common Oil oi Mace, is an artificial compo-
sition of suet, palm oil, and the like, flavoured with a little genu-
ine oil of nutmeg. 7680 of the second sort yielded to Neumann
330 volatile oil heavier than water, 2880 of fluid expressible oil,
and 4560 of solid but fusible sebaceous matter, perfectly insipid,
inodorous, and of a chalky whiteness.
Medical use — Both mace and nutmegs are rather to be consi-
dered as aromatic spices than as articles of medicine. From the
essential oil they contain they are heating and stimulating, and
they are added to other medicines for the sake of their agreeable
flavour.
Officinal Preparation.
Emplastrum ladani compositum, L. - vide Unguenta.
486 Materia Medica.
MYROXYLON PERUIFERUM. Balsamum. Ed.
Balsamum Peruvianum. L. D.
Sweet-smelling balsam tree. Peruvian balsam.
Willd.g. 829. sp. 1. Decandria Monogynia. — Nat. ord. Lome?i-
tacece.
This tree grows in the warmest provinces of South America,
and is remarkable for its elegant appearance. Every part of it
abounds with resinous juice, even the leaves are full of transpa-
rent resinous points like those of the orange tree.
The balsam as brought to us, is commonly of the consistence
of thin honey, of a reddish brown colour, inclining to black, an
agreeable aromatic smell, and a very hot biting taste.
It is very often adulterated, and sometimes what is sold for
Peruvian balsam, is a spurious mixture of resin and essential oil,
flavoured with benzoin. These frauds are not easily detected, and
fortunately they are of little importance.
It is said to be obtained by boiling the cuttings of the twigs in
water, and skimming off with a spoon the balsam which swims
on the top.
By incision this tree yields a much more fragrant white or co-
lourless balsam, which, when inspissated by the heat of the sun,
forms the red or dry balsam of Peru; but they are very rarely in
use in Britain, and almost ntver to be met with in our shops.
Peruvian balsam consists of a volatile oil, resin, and benzoic
acid. It is accordingly entirely soluble in alcohol, and in essen-
tial oils. Water dissolves part of the benzoic acid, and fixed oil
combines with the resin. It may be suspended in water by tritu-
ration with mucilage and yolk of eggs.
Medical use. — Balsam of Peru is a very warm aromatic medi-
cine, considerably hotter and more acrid than Copaiva. Its princi-
pal effects are, to warm the habit, and to strengthen the nervous
system. Hence its use in some kinds of asthmas, gonorrhoeas, dy-
senteries, suppressions of the uterine discharges, and other disor-
ders proceeding from a debility of the solids. It is also employed
externally, for cleansing and healing' wounds and ulcers, and
sometimes against palsies and rheumatic pains.
O FFJCINA L PEE PAR A ttONS.
Tinctura balsami Peruviani, L. - vide Tincturce.
Trochisci glycyrrhizae compositi, D. -r Trochisci.
M.— Myrrha. 487
MYRRHA. Gummi-resina. Ed. L. D.
Myrrh. A gum-resin.
D. Mir r he. P. Mirra.
DA. Myrre. POL. Mirra.
F. Myrrhe. S. Mirra.
G. Myrrhen. SW. Myrha.
I. Mirra.
The tree which produces this gum-resin is not yet ascertained.
Mr. Bruce has given some reasons for supposing that it is a mi-
mosa; but we may observe, that all the mimosas with which we
are sufficiently acquainted furnish a pure gum, and not a gum-
resin. The best myrrh is brought from Troglodytitia, a province
of Abyssinia, on the borders of the Red sea; but what we receive
comes from the East Indies, and is produced on the eastern coast
of Arabia Felix.
The best myrrh is in the form of tears. It should be of a yel-
low, or reddish-yellow colour, becoming redder when breathed
on, light, brittle, of an unctuous feel, pellucid, shining; presenting
white semicircular stria in its fracture; of a very bitter aromatic
taste, and a strong, peculiar, not unpleasant odour. It is not good
if whitish, dark-coloured, black, resinous, ill-smelled, or mixed
with impurities, which is too commonly the case.
Neumann ascertained that water and alcohol are both of them
capable of taking up the whole of the taste and smell of the myrrh,
the extract made by either after the other being insipid. The alco-
hol distilled from the tincture elevated none of the flavour of the
myrrh; but during the inspissation of the decoction a volatile oil
arose, containing the whole of the flavour of the myrrh, and hea-
vier than water, while the extract was merely bitter. From 7680
parts of myrrh he got 6000 watery extract, 180 volatile oil, and
720 alcoholic; and inversely, 2400 alcoholic, and 4200 watery.
Dr. Duncan observed that the tincture is transparent, and when
poured into water, forms a yellow opaque fluid, but lets fall no
precipitate, while the watery solution is always yellow and opaque:
and that myrrh is not fusible and is difficultly inflammable. Mr.
Hatchett found it soluble in alkalies.
Medical use. — Myrrh is a heating stimulating medicine. It
frequently occasions a mild diaphoresis, and promotes the fluid
secretions in general. Hence it proves serviceable in cachectic
diseases, arising from inactivity of the system, and is supposed
to act especially upon the uterine system, and to resist putre-
faction.
488 Materia Medica.
It is exhibited,
1. In substance; in the form of powder, or made up into
pills, in doses of ten to sixty grains.
2. Dissolved in water, as in Griffiths' famous but unchemi-
cal myrrh mixture.
3. Dissolved in alcohol.
Officinal Preparations.
Tictura myrrhae, E. L. D.
vide Tincture?.
aloes cum myrrha, E. L.
Idem,
aloes astherea, E.
Tincturce cethereoe.
Pulvis myrrhae compositus, L.
Puheres.
aloes cum ferro, L.
Idem.
Pilulse galbani compositae, L.
Pilules.
rhaei composite, E.
Idem.
aloes cum myrrha, E. L.
Idem.
assae foetidae compositae, E.
Idem*
T—
MYRTUS PIMENTO. Fructus. Ed.
Pimento. Bacca. Semina. L. D.
Pimento tree. The fruit, commonly called Jamaica pepper.
Willd. g. 973. sp. 28. — Icosandria Monogynia. — Nat. ord. Hcs*
peridece.
D.
Piement, Jamaica fiefier.
P.
Amomo, Pimenta da Ja
DA.
Piment, Allehaande.
maica.
F.
Piment.
R.
Anglinskoi fierez.
G.
Pimento, Jamaica pfeffer.
S.
Pimicnta de Jamaica.
I.
Pcfic garofanato.
sw
. Kryddpepfiar.
POL.
Piefirz z Jamaiki.
This is a native of Jamaica, and grows in all the woodlands on
the north side. Soon after the trees have blossomed, the berries
become fit for gathering; the fruit not being suffered to ripen, as
in that state it is moist and glutinous, and therefore difficult to
cure, and when dried becomes black and tasteless. The berries
are dried by spreading them on a terrace, exposed to the sun, for
about seven days, during which time they gradually lose their
green colour, and become of a reddish brown.
The smell of this spice resembles a mixture of cinnamon,
cloves, and nutmegs: its taste approaches to that of cloves, or a
mixture of the three foregoing; whence it has received the name
of allspice.
N. — Nicotiana. 489
Neumann ascertained that its flavour resides entirely in a vola-
tile oil heavier than water, and its pungency in a resin or a sub-
stance soluble in alcohol and insoluble in water. From 480 parts
he got 120 watery extract, 30 volatile oil, and twenty alcoholic
extract; and inversely, 66 alcoholic and 100 watery.
Medical use* — Pimento is a warm aromatic stimulant, and is
much used as a condiment in dressing food. As a medicine, it is
advantageously substituted for the more costly spices, especially
in hospital practice.
Officinal Preparations.
Aqua myrti pimentae, E. L. - vide Aquce destillatce*
Oleum volatile myrti pimentae, E. - Oleavolatilia.
Spiritus myrti pimentae, E. L. D. - Spiritus destillati,
Syrupus spinse cervinae, L. - - Syrupi.
Pilulae opii, E. - Pilule?.
N
NICOTIANA TABACUM. Ed.
Nicotiana. Folium. L. D.
Tobacco* The leaves,
iVilld.g. 379. sp. 1. — Pentandria Monogynia. — Nat. ord.
Solanacecc*
D. Tabak. P. Tabacco.
DA. Tobak. POL. Tabaka.
F. Tabac. R. Tabak.
G. Tabak. S. Tabaco.
I. Tobacco. SW. Tobak.
This is an annual plant, a native of America, from whence it
was first carried to Europe, about the year 1 560; where it is now
sometimes cultivated for medicinal use in gardens; but in ge-
neral it is exported from America in large quantities. The leaves
are about two feet long, of a pale green colour whilst fresh, and
when carefully dried, of a lively yellowish cast. They have a
3 Q
490 Materia Medica-
strong, disagreeable, narcotic smell, and a veiy acrid burning
taste.
The active constituent of tobacco is an essential oil; for, by-
long boiling, the decoction and extract of tobacco become almost
inert; and by distillation an oil is obtained from it, so active, that
small animals are almost instantly killed, when wounded by a
needle dipped in it.
Medical use,— On the living body, whether taken into the sto-
mach in substance or solution, or into the lungs in the form of
smoke, or applied to abraded surfaces, tobacco is capable of pro-
ducing deleterious effects. It often proves virulently cathartic or
emetic, and occasions intolerable cardialgia, anxiety and»vertigo.
The system becomes easily habituated to the action of tobacco;
and many people use very large quantities of it in various ways
as a luxury, without experiencing any other bad effect than what
arises from their being unable to relinquish it after the habit is
confirmed.
As a medicine it is exhibited in various forms:
1. In substance. When chewed, it causes an increased flow
of saliva, and sometimes relieves the toothach; and redu-
ced to powder, it proves an excellent errhine and sternu-
tatory, when snuffed up the nostrils.
2. In infusion in water or wine. Taken in such small doses
as to have little effect on the stomach, it proves power-
fully diuretic, and was employed by Dr. Fowler with ve-
ry great success in cases of dropsy and dysuria. It is also
applied externally for the cure of psora, tinea, and other
cutaneous diseases.
3. In the form of smoke, it is injected into the anus by means
of bellows of a peculiar construction. By acting as a sti-
mulus to the rectum, it sometimes succeeds in reviving
the vital powers in some kinds of asphyxia, and in evacu-
ating the intestines in cases of obstinate constipation.*
It has likewise been employed with advantage as a bougie in
removing strictures of the urethral
Officinal Pheparatiok.
Vinum nicotianae tabaci, E. - vide Vina Medkata,
* See Dr. Bradford's Inaugural Dissertation on Tobacco.
\ See an account, by Dr. Sbjiw, in the Philadelphia Medical Museum, Vol. U
N. — Nitras. — Nitras Potassae* 491
NITRAS.— XITJiJTE.
Nitrate is the generic term for secondary compounds, which
consist of nitric acid, combined with any base. There are three
families of nitrates.
1. Alkaline nitrates; — soluble in water; solubility increased by
increase of temperature; crystallizable; forming no precipitate
with alkaline carbonates.
2. Earthy nitrates; — soluble in water; forming a white preci-
pitate with alkaline carbonates.
3. Metallic nitrates; — generally soluble, both in water and in
alcohol; decomposable by heat, furnishing nitric oxide gas and
leaving the metal oxidized to a maximum.
NITRAS POTASSiE. Ed
NlTRUM. L. D.
Nitrate of potass. Nitre,
D. Saljieter) P. Salitre.
F. Sabfietre, Aitrv. POL. Saletrc, Salnitra.
G. Salfieter. R. Senitra.
I. Nitro, Salnilro. S. Nitro, Salitre.
Nitrate of potass is annually produced on the surface of the
earth in many countries. For this production, the presence of a
calcareous base, heat, and an open, but not too free, communica-
tion with dry atmospheric air, are requisite. The putrefaction of
organic, especially animal substances, is not necessary to, but ac-
celerates the formation of, this salt, by affording the azote in a
state in which it combines readily with the oxygen of the atmoa*.,
phere, and forms the nitric acid. Accordingly, in Germany and
France, nitrate of potass is prepared, by exposing mixtures of pu-
trefying animal and vegetable substances, and calcareous earths,,
to the action of the atmosphere. The salt is afterwards extracted
by lixiviation and crystallization. The nitre used in Great Bri-
tain is chiefly imported from the East Indies. It is found abun-
dantly in several parts of the United States. As it occurs in com-
merce, it often contains a little muriate of potass and muriate of
soda, from which it is easily purified by dissolving it in boiling-
water, and filtering it; on cooling, the nitrate of potass crystal-
lizes, and the other salts remain dissolved.
Nitrate of potass has a sharp, bitterish, cooling taste. It shoots
m pretty large crystals, which are generally six-sided prisms, ter-
minated by six-sided pyramids: very brittle, and permanent iA
492 ■■* Materia Medtca.
the atmosphere; soluble in seven times their weight of water at
60°, and in an equal weight at 212°; melting when exposed to a
strong heat, giving out at first oxygen, and afterwards nitrogen
gas, until the whole acid be decomposed, and the potass alone
remain behind. It deflagrates more or less violently with all oxy-
genizable substances, oxidizing or acidifying them. When dried
in a temperature of 70°, it consists, according to Kirwan, of 44
nitric acid, 51.8 potass, and 4.2 water. It is decomposed by the
sulphuric acid and baryta, by the muriate and acetite of baryta,
and the sulphates of soda, ammonia, magnesia, and alumina.
Medical use, — Taken to the extent of from a drachm to half an
ounce in the course of a day, in repeated doses, it diminishes the
heat of the body, and the frequency of the pulse, and operates by
stool, and acts upon the secretion of urine, but is apt to produce
pains in the stomach. In large doses, such as an ounce, taken at
one time, it produces the most dreadful symptoms, constant vo-
miting, purging, mixed with blood, convulsions, and death. Ac-
cidents of this kind have happened from its being sold by mis-
take for sulphate of soda.
It is best given in small doses, as 5 to 20 grains frequently re-
peated, and is only admissible in inflammatory diseases. Exter-
nally it is used in gargles, for inflammatory sore throats.
Officinal Preparations.
Nitrum purificatum, L.
Acid, nitrosum, E. L. D.
Sulphas potassae cum sulphure, E. - vide Potassa.
Antimonium calcinatum, L. Antimonium,
Oxidum ant. cum sulph. per nit. pot. E. L. D. Idem.
Trochisci nitri, E. L. - - - Trochiscu
NITRUM PURIFICATUM. L.
Puri£ed Nitre*
Take of
Nitre, two pounds;
Distilled water, four pints.
Boil the nitre in the water, till it be dissolved; strain the solu-
tion, and set it aside to crystallize. (L.)
Common nitre contains usually a considerable portion of muri-
ate of soda, which in this process is separated, for it remains dis-
solved after the greatest part of the nitrate of potass has crystal-
lized. The crystals which shoot after the first evaporation, are
large, regular, and pure: but when the remaining liquor is further
N.r— Acidum Nitrosum. 495
evaporated, and this repeated a second or third time, the crys-
tals prove at length small, imperfect, and tipt with little cubical
crystals of muriate of soda. When pure, the solution is not af-
fected by nitrate of silver, or nitrate of baryta.
ACIDUM NITROSUM. Ed. L. D.
Nitrons Acid,
Take of
Very pure nitrate of potass, two pounds;
Sulphuric acid, sixteen ounces.
Having put the nitrate of potass into a glass retort, pour upon h
the sulphuric acid, and distil in a sand bath, with a heat gra-
dually increased, until the iron pot begins to be red-hot.
The specific gravity of this acid is to that of distilled water as
1550 to 1000. (E.)
Nitrous acid is of a brown or red colour, exceedingly vola-
tile, and emitting an intolerable and suffocating odour. By the
addition of water, its colour is successively changed to blue,
green, and yellow. In the state of vapour, it is absorbed by wa-
ter, oil, and sulphuric acid. It consists of about 70 parts of oxy-
gen, and 30 of nitrogen, or rather of nitric acid and nitric oxide.
It forms Nitrites.
The nitrites are characterized by their emitting the nitrous
acid in orange fumes, on the addition of sulphuric acid.
In this process, the sulphuric acid, by its superior affinity, com-
bines with the potass of the nitre to form sulphate of potass,
while the nitric acid is separated, and is not only converted into
vapour by the application of the heat to the retort, but is also
partially decomposed. A portion of oxygen escapes in a gaseous
form, and the nitric oxide gas combines with the nitric acid; so that
the liquor condensed in the receiver is nitrous and not nitric acid.
In performing this process, we must take care, in pouring in
the sulphuric acid, not to soil the neck of the retort. Instead of a
common receiver, it is of advantage to use some modification of
Woulfe's apparatus, and as the vapours are extremely corrosive,
the fat lute must be used to connect the retort with it. The dif-
ference of the proportions of the ingredients directed by the dif-
ferent colleges, has no effect on the quality of the acid obtained,
but only affects the residuum. The London and Dublin colleges
use no more sulphuric acid than what is necessary to expel all the
nitric acid, and the residuum is a neutral sulphate of potass, so
insoluble, that it cannot be got out without breaking the retort*
The Edinburgh college order as much sulphuric acid as renders
the residuum, an acidulous sulphate of potass, easily soluble in
water.
494 Materia Medica,
Nitrous acid is frequently impure. Sulphuric acid is easily got
rid of by re-distilling the nitrous acid from a small quantity of ni-
trate of potass. But its presence is not indicated when nitrous
acid forms a precipitate with nitrate of baryta, as affirmed by
almost all chemical authors; for nitrate of baryta, was discovered
by Mr. Hume to be insoluble in nitrous acid.
Muriatic acid is detected by the precipitate formed with ni-
trate of silver, and may be separated by dropping into the nitrous
acid a solution of nitrate of silver, as long as it forms any preci-
pitate, and drawing off the nitrous acid by distillation.
Mr. Davy has shown that nitrous acid is a compound of nitric
acid and nitric oxide, and that by additional doses of the last con-
stituent, its colour is successively changed, from yellow to orange,
olive green, and blue green, and its specific gravity is diminished.
The specific gravity is probably stated too high by the colleges;
for although Rouelle makes that of the strongest nitric acid
1.583, yet Kirwan could produce it no stronger at 60° than 1.5543,
and Mr. Davy makes it only 1.504, and when saturated with ni
trie oxide only 1.475.
Officinal Preparation.
Spiritus setheris nitrosi, E. L. D. . - - vide Alcohol,
ACIDUM NITROSUM DILUTUM. Ed. L. D.
Diluted Nitrous Acid,
Take of
Nitrous acid,
Water, equal weights.
Mix them, taking care to avoid the noxious vapours. (E. L. D.)
Nitrous acid has a great affinity for water, and attracts it
from the atmosphere. During their combination there is an in-
crease of temperature, part of the nitric oxide is dissipated in the
form of noxious vapours, and the colour changes successively
from orange to green, and to blue, according as the proportion
of water is increased. A mixture of equal parts of Kirwan's
standard acid of 1.5543 and water, has the specific gravity 1.1911.
Officinal Preparations.
Sulphur prascipitatum, D. vide Sulphur.
Nitras argenti, E. L. D. - - - Argentum.
Acetis hydrargyri, E. L. D. ■* * - Hydrargyrum,
Sub-murias hydrargyri praacipitatus, E. L. D. Idem.
Oxidum hydrargyri cinereum, E. D. Idem.
rub. per a. mt. K. L. D. Id?m%
N. — Acidum Nitricum. 495
ACIDUM NITRICUM* Ed.
Nitric Acid,
Take of
Nitrous acid, any quantity.
Pour it into a retort, and having adapted a receiver, apply a very
gentle heat, until the reddest portion shall have passed over,
and the acid which remains in the retort shall have become
nitric acid. (E.)
Nitric acid consists of nitrogen combined with oxygen. It
is liquid, colourless, and transparent. It is very corrosive, and
tinges the skin of a yellow colour. It has a strong affinity for wa-
ter; and absorbs it from the atmosphere. When most concentrat-
ed, its specific gravity is 1.504. It produces heat when mixed
with water. It is decomposed by many substances. Light con*
verts it in part into nitrous acid. When entirely deprived of water,
it sets fire to oils, to sulphuretted hydrogen gas, to iron filings,
when perfectly dry; and to zinc, bismuth, and tin, when poured
on them in a state of fusion. It oxygenizes all the metals, except
gold, platinum, and titanium. It consists of 70.50 by weight, of
oxygen, and 29.50 of nitrogen.
The nitrates, by the action of fire, furnish impure oxygen gas,
mixed with nitrogen, and are reduced to their basis. By the ac-
tion of concentrated sulphuric acid, they emit a white vapour,
and they are capable of supporting combustion.
We have already stated, that nitrous acid is nitric acid com-
bined with a variable proportion of nitric oxide. Now, by the ap-
plication of a gentle heat, the whole of the nitric oxide is vapo-
rized, and pure colourless nitric acid remains in the retort. The
nitric oxide, however, carries over with it a portion of the acid,
and condenses with it in the receiver, in the form of a very high
coloured nitrous acid.
Ritcher has given the following manner of preparing nitric
acid.
Take of
Purified nitrate of potass, seven pounds;
Black oxide of manganese, one pound two ounces;
Sulphuric acid, four pounds, four ounces, and six drachms.
Into a retort capable of containing twenty-four pounds, introduce
the nitre and manganese, powdered and mixed, and pour upon
them gradually, through a retort-funnel, the sulphuric acid.
Lute on the receiver with flour and water, and conduct the
distillation with a gradually increased heat.
From these proportions, Ritcher got three pounds nine ounces
of very slightly-coloured nitric acid. The operation will be coa-
496 Materia Medica.
ducted with less hazard in a Woulfe's apparatus, or by interpos-
ing between the retort and a receiver a tubulated adopter, fur-
nished with a bent tube, of which the further extremity is
immersed in a vessel containing a small quantity of water.
These acids, the nitrous and nitric, have been long employed
as powerful pharmaceutic agents.
Medical use. — Lately, however, their use in medicine has been
considerably extended. In the state of vapour they have been
used to destroy contagion in jails, hospitals, ships, and other
places where the accumulation of animal effluvia is not easily
avoided. The fumigating such places with the vapour of nitrous
acid has certainly been attended with success; but by many, that
success is ascribed entirely to the ventilation employed at the
same time. It is, however, applicable in situations which do not.
admit of sufficient ventilation; and where it is, the previous dif-
fusion of acid vapours is an excellent check upon the indolence
and inattention of servants and nurses, as by the smell we are en-
abled to judge whether they have been sufficiently attentive to
the succeeding ventilation. Nitric acid vapour is not deleterious
to life, and may be diffused in the apartments of the sick, with
out occasioning to them any material inconvenience. The means
of diffusing it are easy. Half an ounce of powdered nitre is put
into a saucer, which is placed in a pipkin of heated sand. On the
nitre two drachms of sulphuric acid are then poured. The fumes
of nitric acid immediately begin to rise. This quantity will fill with
vapour a cube of ten feet; and by employing a sufficient number
of pipkins, the fumes may be easily made to fill a ward of any ex-
tent. After the fumigation, ventilation is to be carefully employ-
ed. For introducing this practice, Dr. Carmichael Smyth has re-
ceived from the British parliament a reward of five thousand
pounds.
The internal use of these acids has also been lately much ex-
tended. In febrile diseases, water acidulated with them forms
one of the best antiphlogistic and antiseptic drinks we are ac-
quainted with. Hoffman and Eberhard long ago employed it with
very great success in malignant and petechial fevers; and in the
low typhus, which frequently rages among the poor in the suburbs
of Edinburgh, Dr. Duncan has repeatedly given it with unequi-
vocal advantage. In the liver complaint of the East Indies, and
in syphilis, nitric acid has also been extolled as a valuable remedy
by Dr. Scott, and the evident benefits resulting from its use in
these complaints, has given rise to a theory, that mercury only
acts by oxygenizing the system. It is certain that both ,the pri-
mary and secondary symptoms of syphilis have been removed by
the use of these acids, and that the former symptoms have not re-
turned, or been followed by any secondary symptoms. But in
many instances they have failed, and it is doubtful if ever they
N. — Nitrogen. 497
effected a permanent cure, after the secondary symptoms appear-
ed. Upon the whole, the opinions of Mr. Pearson on this^ub-
ject, lately agitated with so much keenness, appear so candid and
judicious, that we shall insert them here. He does not think it
eligible to rely on the nitrous acid in the treatment of any one
form of the lues venerea; at the same time, he by no means wishes
to see it exploded as a medicine altogether useless in that disease.
When an impaired state of the constitution renders the introduc-
tion of mercury into the system inconvenient, or evidently im-
proper, the nitrous acid will be found, he thinks, capable of re-
straining the progress of the disease, while at the same time, it
will improve the health and strength of the patient. On some oc-
casions, this acid may be given in conjunction with a mercurial
course, and it will be found to support the tone of the stomach,
to determine powerfully to the kidneys, and to counteract in no
inconsiderable degree the effects of mercury on the mouth and
fauces.
NITROGEN.— AZOTIC GAS,
Although this gas is not directly an article of the Materia
Medica, yet its chemical combinations render it of such impor-
tance by the value of many of them that some information may
not be improper respecting it.
Nitrogen,ox azotic^as, constitutes 0.78 of the atmosphere. But
as it has few attractions at ordinary temperatures, its principal ef-
fect on the chemical properties of the atmosphere seems to be the
dilution of the oxygen gas, which in its pure state would be more
active than is consistent with the economy of nature. It also is
permanently elastic, compressible, inodorous, and insipid; it
greens very delicate vegetable blues; its specific gravity is 0.0012;
it is unable to support respiration, vegetation, or combustion, it
is acidifiable, and is a constituent of the nitric and nitrous acids,
nitrous and nitric oxides, of ammonia, and perhaps of the other
alkalies, and of most animal substances; it dissolves phosphorus
and carbon in small quantities, and is not absorbed by water.
Primary Compounds of Nitrogen.
A. Binary,
a. with oxygen:
1. Atmospheric air.
2. Nitrous oxide.
498 Materia Medica.
A. Binary,
3. Nitric oxide. (Nitrous gas.)
4. Nitric acid.
b. With hydrogen. Ammonia. (Nitroguret of Hydro-
gen.)
c* With sulphur. Sulphuretted nitrogen gas.
d. With phosphorus. Phosphuretted nitrogen gas.
B. Quaternary, with hydrogen, carbon and oxygen.
a. Oxides. Animal substances.
b. Acids. Animal acids.
Atmospheric air consists of 22 parts of oxygen gas, and of 78
of azotic gas by bulk, or 24.33, and 75 67 by weight; it is trans-
parent, compressible, and permanently elastic; its specific gravity
is 0*00123; it is inodorous and insipid, respirable, and capable of
supporting inflammation. The atmosphere, besides the air now
described, also contains other gases, vapour, &c.
Nitrous oxide gas is composed of 37 of oxygen, and 63 of nitro-
gen. It does not change vegetable colours; its specific gravity is-
0.00197; it suffers no diminution when mixed with oxygen gas*
Water absorbs about half its weight of it, at a mean temperature.
It does not combine directly with alkalies; it supports combus-
tion; and its respiration, when perfectly pure, or mixed with at-
mospheric air, produces the highest excitement the animal frame
seems capable of undergoing.
Nitric oxide gas (nitrous gas) consists, according to Davy, of
44 nitrogen and 56 oxygen. It does not change vegetable colours.
Its specific gravity is 0.001343. When mixed with about two-
fifths of oxygen gas, they condense into red fumes, ^nitrous acid),
which are entirely absorbed by water. The quantity of oxygen
gas that any air contains is sometimes estimated by the diminu-
tion of volume sustained after a sufficient quantity of nitrous gas
has been mixed with it. Water absorbs 0.118 of its bulk of this
gas. It is not inflammable; and only in very few instances sup-
ports combustion. It is noxious to vegetation, and its respiration
is fatal to animals.
Nitrogen admits of higher degrees of oxygenizement, forming
nitrous and nitric acids.
NITRUM. - - - Vide Nitras Potassce.
NUX MOSCHATA. - • Vide Myristkcu
C— Olea Europsea, 499
o.
OLEA EUROP.EA.
Fructus oleum Jixum, Ed,
Oliva et ejus Oleum. L Oleum Olivarum. D.
The olive tree* The fruit and oil expressed from the fruit,
Willd, g, 36. sp, 1. Diandria Monogynia. — Nat. ord. Sepiarice.,
This tree is a native of the south of Europe and north of Afri-
ca. It is cultivated in France, Spain, and Italy, for the sake of
its fruit and the oil expressed from it. Olives, when fresh, have
an acrid, bitter, extremely disagreeable, taste; but they are only
eaten when pickled. They are first steeped for several days in a
ley of wood-ashes, and then pickled in a strong solution of mu-
riate of soda.
They are principally valued for the oil they afford by expres-
sion. For this purpose they are gathered when fully ripe, and im-
mediately bruised and subjected to the press. The finest oil flows
first, and a very bad oil is obtained by boiling the magma, which
remains after expression, in water. According to Beaume, they
are gathered when sufficiently ripe. They are then dried, to de-
prive the mucilage, of which they contain a large quantity, of its
water, and are expressed after being bruised, and moistened with
a little water to render the oil more fluid. By rest, the mucilage
and water which may have passed with it, separate. It is some-
times mixed with oil of poppy seeds; but, by exposing the mix-
ture to the freezing temperature, the olive oil freezes, while that
of the poppies remains fluid; and as oils which freeze with most
difficulty are most apt to become rancid, olive is deteriorated by
the admixture of poppv oil.
Good olive oil should have a pale yellow colour, somewhat
inclining to green, a bland taste, without any rancidity, and no
smell, and should congeal at 38° Fahrenheit.
Medical use, — Taken internally, it operates as a gentle laxative,
and is given in cases of worms. It is also given in large quanti-
ties to mitigate the action of acrid substances taken into the
stomach. It is used externally in frictions, in gargles, and in clys-
ters; but its principal employment is for the composition of oint-
ments and plasters.
500 Materia Medica*
Officinal Preparations.
Oleum ammoniatum, E. L. - - vide Olea praeparata,
camphoratum, E. - , - Idem*
sulphuratum, E. L. - - Idem*
It also enters into many of the unguents,*)
cerates, plasters, &c. of the different J- Unguenta..
pharmacopoeias. J
OLEUM.— OIL.
D.
OH, Olie,
Oly.
P.
Oku,
DA.
Olje.
POL.
Oley.
F.
Huile.
R.
Maslo.
G.
OehL
S.
Aceite,
I.
Olio.
SW.
Olja.
Oils are either
fixed
or volatile.
OLEA FIXA.— FIXED OILS.
Fixed oils are transparent, more or less coloured, somewhat
viscid, inodorous fluids, having a mild taste and unctuous feel.
In the different species the specific gravity varies from 0.9403 to
0.9153. The point of congelation also differs considerably, but in
general it is within the range of the ordinary temperatures of the
atmosphere. Their boiling point exceeds 600°, and by being con-
verted into vapour, they become empyreumatic. Fixed oils do
not seem capable of combining with charcoal, but are freed from
impurities, by being filtered through hot charcoal. When assist-
ed by heat, they dissolve sulphur and phosphorus. They may be
blended with sugar and gum by trituration as in emulsions, and
they dissolve the volatile oils, and resins, and gummy resins.
With the alkalies and earths they form soaps, and with metallic
oxides plasters. They are not soluble in water or in alcohol. They
unite readily with oxygen, which renders them concrescible.
Those oils which dry without losing their transparency, as lin-
seed oil, are termed drying oils, in contra-distinction to the fat oils
which from exposure become white, opaque and thick, and re-
main greasy, such as oil of olives or of almonds. When they be-
come rancid, they undergo a further degree of decomposition, and
are found to contain sebacic acid. Oil in the state of vapour is
O.— Olea Fixa. SOI
inflammable, and burns with a white flame. When the combus-
tion is complete, the products are carbonic acid gas and water, but
in general soot is deposited. The sulphuric acid renders the fixed
oils brown and thick, and converts them into water and charcoal.
The nitric acid oxygenizes them. The oxygenized muriatic acid
blanches them, and renders them concrete like tallow or wax.
The oils oxidize several of the metals, and are oxidized by seve-
ral of their oxides. From Lavoisier's experiment on the combust
tion of olive oil, its constituent principles were estimated at 79
charcoal and 21 hydrogen; but by correction they appear to be
50.39 carbon, 20.23 hydrogen, and 29.38 oxygen.
These oils are commonly denominated expressed oils, an appel-
lation which is manifestly improper, as in some instances they are
obtained without expression, and in other instances expression is
employed to obtain volatile oils. The Edinburgh college have
therefore distinguished these different classes of oils by the terms
fixed and volatile, which accurately characterize them.
Fixed oil is formed in no other part of vegetables than in their
seeds. Sometimes, although very rarely, it is contained in the
parenchyma of the fruit. Of this the best known example is the
olive. But it is most commonly found in the seeds of dicotyledo-
nous vegetables, sometimes also in the fruit of monocot\ ledonous
plants, as the cocos butyracea. It has various degrees of consis-
tency, from the tallow of the croton sebiferum of China, and the
butter of the butter-tree of Africa, to the fluidity of olive oil.
Fixed oils are either
1. Fat, easily congealed, and not inflammable by nitric acid;
oil of olives, almonds, rapeseed, and ben.
2. Drying, not congealable, inflammable by nitric acid; oil
of linseed, nut, and poppy.
3. Concrete oils, palm oil, &c.
Fixed oil is separated from fruits and seeds which contain it,
either by expression or decoction. Heat, by rendering the oil more
limpid, increases very much the quantity obtained by expression;
but as it renders it less bland, and more apt to become rancid, heat
is not used in the preparation of oils which are to be employed in
medicine. When obtained by expression, oils often contain a mix-
ture of mucilage, starch, and colouring matter; but part of these
separate in course of time, and fall to the bottom. When oils be-
come rancid, they are no longer fit for internal use, but are then
said to effect the killing of quicksilver, as it is called, more quickly.
Decoction is principally used for the extraction of the viscid and
consistent oils, which are melted out bv the heat of the boiling
water, and rise to its surface.
Those who prepare large quantities of the oilof almonds, blanch
302 Materia Medica.
them, by steeping them in very hot water, which causes their epi-
dermis to swell, and separate easily. After they peel them, they
drv them in a stove, then grind them in a mill like a coffee mill, and
lastly, express the oil from the paste inclosed in a hempen bag. By
blanching the almonds, the paste which remains within the bag
is sold with greater advantage to the perfumers, and the oil ob-
tained is perfectly colourless. But the heat employed disposes the
oil to become rancid, and the colour the oil acquires from the
epidermis does not injure its qualities. For pharmaceutical use,
therefore, the oil should not be expressed from blanched almonds,
but merely rubbed in a piece of coarse linen, to separate the brown
powder adhering to the epidermis, as much as possible. Sixteen
ounces of sweet almonds commonly give five ounces and a half
of oil. Bitter almonds afford the same proportions, but the oil
has a pleasant bitter taste.
OLEUM AMYGDALAE COMMUNIS. Ed;
Oleum Amygdala. L.
Almond Oil.
Oleum Amygdalarum. D.
Oil of Almonds.
Take of
Fresh Almonds, any quantity.
After having bruised them in a stone mortar, put them into a
hempen bag, and express the oil without heat.
In the same manner are to be expressed,
Oleum lini usitatissimi, E. 1 Linseed Oil.
Lini, L. D. J
Ricini, L. Castor oil,from the seeds pre-
viously decorticated.
Sinapeos,L. 1 o;1 rf mustard.
oinapis, u. J
An account of the medical virtues of each will be found under
their respective heads.
O.— Olea Volatilia. 503
OLEA VOLATILIA.— VOLATILE OILS.
Volatile oils differ from the fixed oils most remarkably in
being vaporized unchanged by a heat under 212°; by evaporating
completely without leaving a stain on paper; by being sapid, often
pungent, and odorous; and by being soluble in alcohol, and to a
certain degree in water. They are more inflammable than the
fixed oils, and burn wTith a large white flame, emit a great deal
of smoke, and require more oxygen for their combustion. By
exposure to air they become coloured and thick, and are at last
converted into an almost inodorous resin. They are also oxydized
and converted into resins by muriate of mercury, and muriate of
antimony; the acids act on them with great violence, and are even
capable of inflaming them. On the other hand, they resist consi-
derably the action of the alkalies. In their other general proper-
ties they agree with the fixed oils, from which they seem to dif-
fer in composition, only in containing a larger proportion of hy-
drogen. In other respects, these oils are infinitely varied, espe-
cially in their taste and odour. Some are as limpid as water,
others are viscid, others congeal on a slight diminution of tem-
perature, and are even naturally concrete, and others are capable
of forming crystallizations. Their predominant colours are the
different shades of yellow and red, but there are also blue, green,
and glaucous essential oils. Their specific gravity varies from
0.8697 to 1.0439.
Volatile oils are prepared nearly in the same manner as the dis-
tilled waters, except that less water is to be added. Seeds and
woody substances are to be previously bruised or rasped. The
oil comes over with the water, and is afterwards to be sepa-
rated from it, according as it may be lighter than the water,
and swim upon its surface, or heavier, and sink to the bottom.
Besides, in preparing these distilled waters and oils, it is to be
observed, that the goodness of the subject, its texture, the sea-
son of the year, and similar causes, must give rise to so many
differences, that no certain or general rule can be given to suit
accurately each example. Therefore, many things are omitted,
to be varied by the operator according to his judgment, and
only the most general precepts are given. (E.;
The water which comes over with the oil in distillation is to be
kept for use. (L.)
504
Materia Medica.
The herbs from which oils are to be extracted by distillation, are
to be dried as soon as they are collected. (D.)
According to these directions, are prepared
Olea VoLATiLiA,iu/. Volatile ~)
Destillata, D.
EsSENTIALIA, L.
Distilled \ Oils.
EssentialJ
Oleum Pimpinellce anisi, E. "J
Anisi, L. D. J
Carui, L. D.
Seminum fcmiculi dulcis, D
From the Seeds,
Oil of Anise.
Caraway.
Fennel seeds.
Juniper i communis, E. *}
Baccarum juniperi, D. V Juniper berries.
Juniperi baccce, L. J
From the berries.
Juniperi communis, E.
Baccarum
Juniperi
From the Fruit,
Myrti pimento;, E.
From the Flower, or Herb injlower,
Florum fceniculi didcis, D. Fennel flowers.
Rorismarini officinalis, E. "J
Rorismarini, L. D. J
Lavendulce spicce, E. 1
Lavendulce, L. J
Menthce piper itce,E. \
piperitidis, L. D. J
Mentha; sativce, L. D.
Pulegii, L. D.
Origani, L. D.
Rutce, D.
Juniperi sabihce, E. \
From the Root,
Sabina;, D.
Pimento.
Rosemary.
Lavender.
Peppermint.
Spearmint.
Pennyroyal.
Origanum.
Rue.
Savine.
Lauri sassafras, E. \
Sassafras, L. J
Sassafras.
0.— Olea Volatilia. 505
OLEUM TEREBINTHIN^. L. D.
Oil of Turpentine,
Take of
Common turpentine, five pounds.
Water, four pints.
Distil the turpentine with the water in a copper alembic. AfteT
the distillation of the oil, what remains, is yellow resin. (L.)
OLEUM TEREBINTHINiE VOLATILE PURISSI
MUM. Ed.
Oleum TerebinthintE Rectificatum. L. D.
Rectified oil of Turpenthv;.
Take of
Oil of turpentine, one pound,
Water, four pints,
Distil, as long as any oil comes over. (E.)
The process here proposed for rectifying this oil, is not only
tedious, but accompanied with danger. For unless the luting be
very close, some of the vapour will be apt to get through; and if
this catch fire, it will infallibly burst the vessels. This rectified oil,
which in many pharmacopoeias is styled Ethereal, does not con-
siderably differ in specific gravity, smell, taste, or medical quali-
ties, from the former.
The Spirit of Turpentine, as this essential oil has been styled,
is frequently taken internally as a diuretic and sudorific; and it has
sometimes a considerable effect when taken to the extent of a few
drops only. It has, however, been given in much larger doses,
especially when mixed with honey. Recourse has principally been
had to such doses in cases of chronic rheumatism, particularly in
those modifications of it which are termed sciatica and lumbago;
but sometimes they induce bloody urine.
The water employed in the distillation of volatile oils always
imbibes some portion of the oil; as is evident from the smell,
taste and colour, which it acquires. It cannot, however, retain
above a certain quantity; and therefore, such as has been already
used and almost saturated itself, may be advantageously employ-
ed, instead of common water, in a second, third, or any future,
distillation of the same subject.
After the distillation of one oil, particular care should be had to
clean the worm perfectly before it be employed in the distillation
of a different substance. Some oils, those of wormwood and ani-
3 S
506 Materia Medic*.
seeds for instance, adhere to it so tenaciously, as not to be melt-
ed out by heat, or washed off by water: the best way of removing
these, is to run a little spirit of wine through it.
Volatile oils, after they are distilled, should be suffered to
stand for some days, in vessels loosely covered with paper, till
they have lost their disagreeable fiery odour, and become limpid:
then put them up in small bottles, which are to be kept quite full,
closely stopped, in a cool place. With these cautions, they will
retain their virtues in perfection for many years.
Most of the oils mentioned above, are prepared by the che-
mists in Britain, and are easily procurable in a tolerable degree of
perfection: but the oils from the more expensive spiceries, though
still introduced among the preparations in the foreign pharma-
copeias, are, when employed among us, usually imported from
abroad.
These are frequently so much adulterated, that it is not easy
to meet with such as are at all fit for use. Nor are these adulte-
rations easily discoverable. The grosser abuses, indeed, may be
readily detected. Thus, if the oil be mixed with spirit of wine, it
will turn milky on the addition of water; if with expressed oils,
rectified spirit will dissolve the volatile, and leave the other be-
hind: if with oil of turpentine, on dipping a piece of paper in the
mixture, and drying it with a gentle heat, the turpentine will be
betrayed by its smell. But the more subtle artists have contrived
other methods of sophistication, which elude all trials of this
kind.
Some have looked upon the specific gravity of oils as a certain
criterion of their genuineness. This, however, is not to be ab-
solutely depended on; for the genuine oils, obtained from the
same subjects, often differ in gravity as much as those drawn
from different ones. Cinnamon and cloves, whose oils usually
sink in water, yield, if slowly and warily distilled, oils of great
fragrancy, which are nevertheless specifically lighter than the
aqueous fluid employed in their distillation, whilst, on the other
hand, the last runnings of some of the lighter oils prove some-
times so ponderous as to sink in water.
As all volatile oils agree in the general properties of solubility in
spirit of wine, indissolubility in water, miscibility with water by
the intervention of certain intermedia, volatility in the heat of
boiling water, &c. it is plain that they may be variously mixed
with each other, or the dearer sophisticated with the cheaper,
without any possibility of discovering the abuse by any trials of
this kind. And, indeed, it would not be of much advantage to
the purchaser, if he had infallible criteria of the genuineness of
every individual oil. It is of as much importance that they be
goody as that they be genuine; for genuine oils, from inattentive
O.— Olea Volatiiia. 507
distillation, and long and careless keeping, are often weaker both
in smell and taste than the common sophisticated ones.
The smell and taste seem to be the only certain tests of which
the nature of the thing will admit. If a bark should have in every
respect the appearance of good cinnamon, and should be proved
indisputably to be the genuine bark of the cinnamon tree; yet if
it want the cinnamon flavour, or has it but in a low degree, we
reject it; and the case is the same with the oil. It is only from
use and habit, or comparisons with specimens of known quality,
that we can judge of the goodness, either of the drugs themselves,
or of their oils.
Most of the volatile oils indeed, are too hot and pungent to be
tasted with safety; and the smell of the subject is so much con-
centrated in them, that a small variation in this respect is not ea-
sily distinguished: but we can readily dilute them to any assigna-
ble degree. A drop of the oil may be dissolved in spirit of wine,
or received on a bit of sugar, and dissolved by that intermedium
in water. The quantity of liquor which it thus impregnates with
its flavour, or the degree of flavour which it communicates to a
certain determinate quantity, will be the measure of the degree
of goodness of the oil.
Medical use. — Volatile oils, medicinally considered, agree in
the general qualities of pungency and heat; in particular virtues^
they differ as much as the subjects from which they are obtained,
the oil being the direct principle in which the virtues, or at least
a considerable part of the virtues, of the several subjects reside.
Thus the carminative virtue of the warm seeds, the diuretic of
juniper berries, the emmenagogue of savin, the nervine of rose*
mary, the stomachic of mint, the antiscorbutic of scurvy-grass,
the cordial of aromatics, &c. are supposed to be concentrated in
their oils.
There is another remarkable difference in volatile oils, the
foundation of which is less obvious, that of the degree of their
pungency and heat. These are by no means in proportion, as
might be expected, to those of the subject they were drawn from.
The oil of cinnamon, for instance, is excessively pungent and fiery;
in its undiluted state it is almost caustic; whereas gloves, a spice
which in substance is far more pungent than the other, yields an
oil which is far less so. This difference seems to depend partlv
upon the quantity of oil afforded, cinnamon yielding much less
than cloves, and consequentlv having its active matter concentra-
ted into a smaller volume; partly, upon a difference in the nature
of the active parts themselves: for though volatile oils contain
always the specific odour and flavour of their subjects, whether
grateful or ungrateful, they do not always contain the whole pun-
gency: this resides frequently in a more fixed matter, and does
not rise with the oil. After the distillation of cloves, pepper, and
508 Materia Medica*
some other spices, a part of their pungency is found to remain
behind: a simple tincture of them in rectified spirit of wine is
even more pungent than their pure esseutial oils.
The more grateful oils are frequently made use of for reconci-
ling to the stomach medicines of themselves disgustful. It has
been customary to employ them as correctors for the resinous
purgatives; an use which they do not seem to be well adapted to.
All the service they can here be of, is, to make the resin sit more
easily at first on the stomach: far from abating the irritating qua-
lity upon which the violence of its operation depends, these pun-
gent oils superadd a fresh stimulus.
Volatile oils are never given alone, on account of their extreme
heat and pungency; which in some is so great, that a single drop
let fall upon the tongue, produces a gangrenous eschar. They are
readily imbibed by pure dry sugar, and in this form may be con-
veniently exhibited. Ground with eight or ten times their weight
of sugar, they become soluble in aqueous liquors, and thus may-
be diluted to any assigned degree. Mucilages also render them
miscible with water into an uniform milk)? liquor. They dissolve
likewise in spirit of wine; the more fragrant in an equal weight,
and almost all of them in less than four times their own quantity.
These solutions may be either taken on sugar, or mixed with sy-
rups or the like. On mixing them with water, the liquor grows
milky, and the oil separates.
The more pungent oils are employed externally against para-
lytic complaints, numbness, pains, and achs, cold tumours, and
in other cases where particular parts require to be heated or sti-
mulated. The toothach is sometimes relieved by a drop of these
almost caustic oils, received on cotton, and cautiously introduced
into the hollow tooth.
OLEA VOLATILIA EMPYREUMATICA.
EMPYREUMATIC VOLATILE OILS,
Empyreumatic Oils agree in many particulars with the vot
latile oils already treated of, but they also differ from them in se-
veral important circumstances. The latter exist ready formed in
the aromatic substances, from which they are obtained, and are
only separated from the fixed principles by the action of a heat
not exceeding that of boiling water. The former, on the contrary,
are always formed by the action of a degree of heat considerably
higher than that of boiling water, and are the product of decom-
position, and a new arrangement of the elementary principles of
O. — Olea Volatilia Empyreumatica. 509
Substances, containing at least oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon.
Their production is tht refore always attended with the formation
of other new products* In their chemical properties they do not
differ very remarkably from the volatile oils, and are principally
distinguished from them by their unpleasant pungent empyreu-
matic smell and rough bitterish taste. They are also more apt to
spoil by the contact of the air, and the oftener they are redistilled
they become more limpid, less coloured, and more soluble in al-
cohol; whereas the essential oils, by repeated distillations, be-
come thicker and less soluble in alcohol.
Their action on the body is exceedingly stimulant and heat^
ing.
OLEUM PETROLEI. L.
Oil of Petroleum,
Distil petroleum in a sand bath.
The oil obtained from this bitumen will be more or less thin
according to the continuance of the distillation; and by its conti-
nuance the tar will at last be reduced to a black coal; and then
the oil will be pretty deep in colour, but perfecdy fluid, though
very acrid and stimulating.
It is less disagreeable than some of the other empyreumatic
oils which had formerly a place in the pharmacopoeias, such as
the oleum lateritium.
OLEUM SUCCINI PURISSIMUM. Ed.
Purified Oil of Amber*
Oleum Succini Rectificatum. L. D.
Rectified Oil of Amber,
Distil oil of amber in a glass retort with six times its quantity of
water till two thirds of the water have passed into the receiver;
then separate this very pure volatile oil from the water, and
keep it for use in close aihut vessels. (E.)
The rectified oil has a strong bituminous smell, and a pungent
acrid taste. Given in a dose of ten or twelve drops, it heats, sti-
mulates, and promotes the fluid secretions: it is chiefly celebrated
in hvsterical disorders, and in deficiencies of the uterine purga-
tions. Sometimes it is used externally, in liniments for weak or
paralytic limbs, and rheumatic pains.
510 Materia Medica.
Moschus Artificialis.
Artificial Musk*
By treating one part of oil of amber with four of nitrous acid,
added in small portions at a time, and stirring them together with
a glass rod, the oil is at last converted into a yellow resin, having
the smell of musk, and known in Germany by the name of Arti-
ficial Musk, where it is often used as a substitute for that ex-
pensive drug.
OLEUM CORNU CERVINI RECTIFICATUM. D.
Rectified Oil of Hartshorn.
Oleum Animale. L.
Animal Oil.
Take of
The oil which ascends in the distillation of the volatile liquor
of hartshorn, three pounds.
Water, six pounds.
Distil a pound and a half. (D.)
Animal Oil, thus rectified, is thin and limpid, of a subtle,
penetrating, not disagreeable, smell and taste.
Medical use. — It is strongly recommended as an anodyne and
antispasmodic in doses of from 15 to 30 drops. Hoffmann re-
ports, that it procures a calm and sweet sleep, which continues
offen for 20 hours, without being followed by any languor or de-
bility, but rather leaving the patient more alert and cheerful than
before: that it procures likewise a gentle sweat, without increasing
the heat of the blood: that given to 20 drops or more, on an
empty stomach six hours before the accession of an intermittent
fever, it frequently removes the disorder; and that it is likewise a
very general remedy in inveterate and chronical epilepsies, and in
convulsive motions, especially if given before the usual time of the
attack, and preceded by proper evacuations. How far empyreu-
matic oils possess the virtues that have been acribed to them, has
not yet been sufficiently determined by experience; the tedious-
ness and trouble of the rectification having prevented their coming
into general use, or being often made* They are liable also to
more material inconvenience in regard to. their medicinal use,
namely, precariousness in their quality;. for how perfectly soever
they may be rectified, they gradually lose, in keeping, the quali-
ties they had received from that process, and return more and
n\ore towards their original fetid state.
O. — Olea Praeparata. 511
OLEA PRiEPARATA.— OILY PREPARATIONS.
OLEUM AMMONIATUM; vulgo, Linimentum VoLAr
TILE. Ed.
Ammoniated Oil, commonly called Volatile Liniment;
Linimentum Ammonia. L.
Liniment of Ammonia.
Take of
Olive oil, two ounces;
Water of ammonia, two drachms.
Mix them together. (E.)
The London college order a stronger liniment of ammonia of
one ounce of water of pure ammonia, and two ounces o,f olive
oil.
The* most commonly adopted generic name for the combina-
tion of oil with alkalies is soap, and the species are distinguished
by the addition of that of the alkali they contain. On these prin-
ciples, volatile liniment should be called soap of Ammonia, as
hard soap is soap of soda, and soft soap, soap of potass.
Medical use. — They are frequently used externally as stimu-
lants and rubefacients. In inflammatory sore throats, a piece of
flannel moistened with these soaps, applied to the throat, and re-
newed every four or five hours, is one of the most efficacious
remedies. By means of this warm stimulating application, the
neck, and sometimes the whole body, is put into a sweat, which,
after bleeding, either carries off, or lessens the inflammation.
When too strong, or too liberally applied, they sometimes occa-
sion inflammations, and even blisters. Where the skin cannot bear
their acrimony, a larger proportion of oil may be used.
This preparation is sometimes used internally, made into a
mixture with syrup and some aromatic water. A drachm or two
taken in this manner three or four times a-day, is a powerful re-
medy in some kinds of catarrh and sore throat.
OLEUM LINI CUM CALCE. Ed.
Linseed Oil with Lime.
Take of
Linseed oil,
Lime water, of each equal partis.
Mix them.
512 Materia Medica.
This liniment is extremely useful in cases of scalds or burns,
being singularly efficacious in preventing, if applied in time, the
inflammation subsequent to burns or scalds; or even in removing
it, alter it has come on.
It is also a species of soap, and might be called soap of lime,
although it probably contains a great excess of oil.
OLEUM CAMPHORATUM, Ed,
Camphorated Oil.
Take of
Olive oil, two ounces;
Camphor, half an ounce.
Mix them so that the camphor may be dissolved.
This is a simple solution of camphor in fixed oil, and is an ex-
cellent application to local pains from whatever cause, and to
glandular swellings.
OLEUM SULPHURATUM. Ed. L.
Sulphuretted Oil*
Take of
Olive oil, eight ounces;
Sublimed sulphur, one ounce.
Boil them together in a large iron pot, stirring them continually,
till they unite. (E.)
Gottling directs the oil to be heated in an iron pot, and the
sulphur to be gradually added, while the solution is promoted by
constant stirring with an iron spatula. The pot must be sufficient-
ly large, as the mixture swells and boils up very much; and as it
is apt to catch fire, a lid should be at hand to extinguish it by co-
vering up the pot.
Medical use. — Sulphuretted oil was formerly strongly recom-
mended in coughs, consumptions, and other disorders of the
breast and lungs: but the reputation which it had in these cases,
does not appear to have been derived from any fair trial or expe-
rience. It is manifestly hot, acrimonious, and irritating; and
should therefore be used with the utmost caution. It has fre-
quently been found to injure the appetite, offend the stomach and
viscera, parch the body, and occasion thirst and febrile heats. The
dose of it is from ten to forty drops. It is employed externally
for cleansing and healing foul running ulcers; and Boerhaave
O. — Oniscus. 513
conjectures, that its use in these cases gave occasion to the vir-
tues ascribed to it when taken internally.
Officinal Preparations.
Emplas. ammoniac, cum hydrarg. L. - vide Unguenta*
litharg. cum hydrarg. L. - Idem*
PETROLEUM SULPHURATUM. L.
Sulphuretted Petroleum,
This is prepared in the same way as sulphuretted oil.
ONISCUS ASELLUS. Millepeda. L.
Millepede? , spirit us vini vapor e enecatce.
Slaters killed by the vapour of alcohol.
Insecta apt era.
These insects are found in cellars, under stones, and in cold
moist places; in warm countries the}' are rarely met with. They
have a faint disagreeable smell, and a somewhat pungent, sweet*
ish, nauseous taste.
Neumann got from 480 parts 95 watery, and 10 alcoholic ex-
tract; and inversely, 52 alcoholic, and 45 watery. Nothing rose
in distillation with either.
Their medical virtues have been very much over-rated.
The millipeds are prepared by enclosing them in a thin canvass
cloth, and suspending it over hot proof spirit in a close vessel,
till they be killed by the steam, and rendered friable.
This barbarous practice is now nearly exploded.
OPIUM. - Vide Papaver
3 T
5 1 £ Ma teria Medica .
ORIGANUM.
Willd. g. 1116. — Didynamia Gymnospermia. — Nat. ord. Vertt-
cillatce.
ORIGANUM VULGARE.ty. 10. Origanum. Herba. L. D.
Wild marjoram. The herb.
This is a perennial plant, and is met with upon dry chalky
hills, and in gravelly soils, in several parts of Britain. It has an
agreeable smell, and a pungent taste, warmer than that of the gar-
den marjoram, and much resembling thyme, with which it seems
to agree in virtue. An essential oil distilled from it is kept in the
shops, and is very acrid.
ORIGANUM MAJORANA. Sp. 15. HerBa. Ed.
Majorana. L. D.
Sweet marjoram. The Plant.
Sweet marjoram is an annual plant, which grows wild in Por-
tugal, but is cultivated in our gardens, principally for culinary
purposes. It is a moderately warm aromatic, yielding its virtues
both to aqueous and spiritous liquors by infusion, and to water in
distillation.
Officinal Preparation.
Pulvis asari compositus, E. L. D. - vide Puheres.
OROBANCHE VIRGINIANA.
Virginian broom-rape. Beech-drops. Cancer-root.
This plant is common in many parts. It is astringent, and a
peculiar and extremely nauseous bitter. It is most powerful when
recent. It has been used in dysentery, and externally to obstinate
ulcers; and is supposed to have formed a part of the late Dr.
Martin's cancer powder.*
* ftarton's Collections, Pari II. p. 6
O. — Ostrea.— Oxalis. 515
OSTREA EDULIS. Ostrea. Testa. L. D.
Oyster. The shell.
CI. Vermes. Orel. Testacea.
The oyster is a very nutritious article of diet, and in some dis-
eases not only admissible, but even advantageous. Their shells,
which are officinal, are composed, like all the mother-of-peari
shells, of alternate layers of carbonate of lime, and a thin mem-
branaceous substance, which exactly resembles coagulated albu-
men in all its properties. By burning, the membrane is destroyed,
and they are converted into lime, which, although very pure,
possesses no advantage over that of the mineral kingdom.
OXALIS ACETOSELLA. Lujula. Folium. L.
ACETOSELLA. D.
Wood-sorrel. The leaves.
Willd. g. 918. sp. 25. — Decandria Pentagynia. — Nat. ord.
Gruinales.
Tins is a small perennial plant, which grows wild in woods,
and shady hedges. The leaves contain a considerable quantity of
super-oxalate of potass, and have an extremely pleasant acid
taste. They possess the same powers with the vegetable acids in
general, and may be given in infusion, or beaten with sugar into
a conserve, or boiled with milk to form an acid whey. The super-
oxalate of potass is extracted in large quantities from them, and
sold under the name of Essential salt of Lemons.
Twenty pounds of the fresh leaves yielded to Neumann six
pounds of juice, from which he got two ounces two drachms and
a scruple of salt, besides two ounces and six drachms of an im-
pure saline mass.
Oxalic acid is obtained in quadrangular crystals, transparent
and colourless, of a very acid taste. They are soluble in their own
weight of water at 212°, and in about two waters at 65°. Boil-
ing alcohol dissolves somewhat more than half its weight, and at
an ordinary temperature, a little more than one third. It is solu-
ble in the muriatic and acetous acids. It is decomposed by heat,
sulphuric acid, and nitric acid. According to Fourcroy, it consists
of 77 oxygen, 13 carbon, and 10 hydrogen.
Oxalates are decomposed by heat; form a white precipitate
with lime water, which is soluble in acetous acid after being ex-
posed to a red heat. The earthy oxalates are very sparingly solu-
ble in water; the alkaline oxalates are capable of combining with
excess of acid, and become less soluble.
516 Materia Medica.
OXIDUM— OXIDE.
By the term oxide, is meant a substance composed of oxygen
and some other body, and destitute of the properties which be-
long to acids.
The oxides like the acids, are simple or compound, and like
them are either binary, ternary or quaternary.
The simple oxides consist of oxygen in union with nitrogen,
hydrogen, carbon, sulphur, phosphorus and the metals.
The compound oxides are characterized by their great altera-
bility, and by their affording, when burnt with a sufficient quan-
tity of oxygen, both water and carbonic acid. They may be di-
vided into
a. Ternary oxides, containing various proportions of carbon,
hydrogen, and oxygen.
b* Quaternary oxides, consisting of nitrogen, carbon, hydro-
gen, and oxygen.
The ternary oxides coincide nearly with the class of vegetable
substances, and are characterized,
a. By their being converted entirely into water and carbonic
acid gas, when completely decomposed by oxygen.
b. By their undergoing the acid fermentation, from the ac-
tion of air and water.
c. And by their furnishing nitrous gas and carbonic acid,
when treated with nitric acid.
The quaternary oxides coincide nearly with animal substances,
and are characterized,
a. By their furnishing, when decomposed by oxygen, am-
monia as well as water and carbonic acid gas.
b. By their becoming putrid from the action of air and
water.
c. And by their furnishing nitrogen gas when treated with
nitric acid.
The ternary oxides may be subdivided into gaseous, fluid, or
easily fusible, and solid infusible. In general the gaseous and vo-
latile compound oxides, contain the largest proportion of hy-
drogen, and the infusible dense oxides the largest proportion of
carbon.
For the names and references of the various ternary and qua-
ternary oxides, see Carbo lignu
O.— Oxidum. 517
As most of the metals are capable of combining with different
portions of oxygen, Dr. Thompson has proposed to call the ox-
ides with a minimum of oxygen, Protoxides; and with addition-
al doses Deutoxides, Tritoxides, &c. &c. in succession, and the
oxides with a maximum of oxygen, Peroxides.*
OXIDUM ARSENICI. - Vide Arsenicum.
OXIDUM PLUMBI ALBUM. 1
OXIDUM PLUMBI RUBRUM. |> Plumbum.
OXIDUM PLUMBI SEMIVITRIUM.J
OXIDUM ZINCI IMPURUM. Zincum.
* " As it is absolutely necessary to be able to distinguish, the different oxides
of the same metal from each other with perfect precision, and as the present
chemical nomenclature is defective in this respect, I shall, (says Dr. Thomp-
son,) till some better method be proposed, distinguish them from each other, by
prefixing- to the word oxide the first syllable of the Greek ordinal numerals.
Thus the protoxide of a metal will denote the metal combined with a minimum
of oxygen, or the first oxide which the metal is capable of forming; deutoxide will
denote the second oxide of a metal, or the metal combined with two doses of
oxygen. When a metal has combined with as much oxygen as possible, I shall
denote the compound formed by the term peroxide; indicating by it, that the
metal is thoroughly oxidized.
Thus we have the term oxide to denote the combination of metals with oxy-
gen in general; the terms protoxide and peroxide to denote the minimum and
maximum of oxidizement; and the terms deutoxide, tritoxide, &c. &.c. to denote
all the intermediate states which are capable of being formed."
Thompson's Chemistry, Vol. I. p- 103, 2d edit/' on.
518 Materia Medica.
PiENEA SARCOCOLLA,
Sarcocolla.. Gummi-resina. L.
Sarcocoll, A gum-resin,
Willd.g. 218. sp. 1. — Tetrandria Monogynia. — Nat. ord. Con*
glomerate.
The plant is a native of Ethiopia, and yields the sarcocoll by
spontaneous exudation. The tears of sarcocoll are seldom so
large as peas, and have either a pale red, or yellowish white co-
lour. They are extremely brittle, or rather friable, shining in their
fracture, resembling a good deal gum-arabic in coarse powder,
but rather more opaque. They have no smell, but a bitter tastet
combined with a sweetness like that of liquorice. Neumann ob-
tained from 480 parts, 360 of alcoholic, and afterwards 40 of
watery extract, and inversely 450 watery, and 26 alcoholic. In
distillation nothing arose. It is not fusible, and kindles with dif-
ficulty. Dr. Thompson considers sarcocoll as a peculiar vegeta-
ble principle, which he defines to be soluble in water and in alco-
hol, taste bitter sweet, and uncrystallizable. Manna, one of his
species is, however, very crystallizable. Sarcocoll was supposed
to possess peculiar virtues in agglutinating wounds.
Officinal Pheparation.
Pulvis cerussae compositus, L. - vide Pulveres*
PANAX QUINQUE FOLIUM. Ginseng. Radix. L.
Ginseng. The root.
Polygamia Dicecia. — Nat. ord. Hederacece.
D. Ginseng Ginaem.
I. Ginseng.
DA. Ginseng.
P. Ginsao.
F. Ginseng.
S. Jin seng.
G. Kraftwurzel, Ginseng.
SW. Ginseng,
This is a perennial plant, which grows in Tartary and North
America. The root is about the thickness of the little finger; an
P.— Papaver. 519
inch or two in length, often dividing into two branches; of a
whitish-yellow colour; wrinkled on the surface; of a compact,
almost horny texture; when broken, exhibiting a resinous circle
in the middle, of a reddish colour. It has no smell, but a very
sweet taste, combined with a slight degree of aromatic bitterness.
The Chinese, probablv on account of its scarcity, have a very
extraordinary opinion of the virtues of this root, so that it sells
for many times its \v eight of silver. The Americans, on the con-
trary, disregard it, because it is found plentifully in their woods.
In fact, it is a gentle and agreeable stimulant.
PAPAVER.
Willd.g. 1015. — Polyandria Monogynia. — Nat. ord. Rhoeades.
PAPAVER RHOE AS. Sp. 5. Papaver Erraticum. Flos. L.
Corn-rose, or red poppy. The flower.
This species of poppy is annual, and very common in the corn
fields of Britain. The petals give out a fine red colour when in-
fused, and are supposed to possess slightly anodyne properties.
Officinal Preparation.
Syrupus papaveris erratici, L. - vide Syrupi.
PAPAVER SOMNIFERUM. Sp. 7. Capsula, et succus spis-
sat us. Ed.
Papaver Album. Capsula. L. D. Opium. L. D.
White Poppy. The capsules and their inspissated juice, commonly
called Opium.
The white poppy is also an annual, and is sometimes found
wild in Great Britain, but it is probably originally a native of the
warmer parts of Asia.
It is frequently cultivated for the beauty of the varieties of its
flowers, and for its seeds. Some attempts have been made to ob-
tain opium from its capsules; and Mr. Ball received a premium
from the Society for encouraging the Arts, for specimens of Bri-
tish opium, in no respect inferior to the best eastern opium. l5ut
we apprehend that the climate of Great Britain is an insuperable
obstacle to its becoming a profitable branch of agriculture.*
• It has been procured in the United States, where this objection will not
prevail. See Philadelphia Medical Museum. Vol II. p. 42ft
S20 Materia Medica.
The leaves, stalks, and capsules, of the poppy, abound with a
milky juice, which may be collected in considerable quantity, by
slightly wounding them when almost ripe: this juice, exposed for
a few days to the air, thickens into a stiff tenacious mass, which in
fact is opium. It is then worked up into masses, and covered
with poppy or tobacco leaves. By decoction and expression this
juice is partially extracted, together with a considerable quantity
of mucilage. The liquor strongly pressed out, suffered to settle,
clarified with whites of eggs, and evaporated to a due consistence,
yields about one fifth, or one sixth the weight of the heads, of
extract. This possesses the virtues of opium in a very inferior de-
gree; but it does not come to Great Britain unless when used to
adulterate the genuine opium. A strong decoction of the dried
heads, mixed with as much sugar as is sufficient to reduce it into
the consistence of a syrup, becomes fit for keeping in a liquid form;
and is the only officinal preparation of the poppy. It is, however,
a very unequal preparation, as the real quantity of opium it con-
tains is very uncertain, and by no means equal to syrup, to which
a certain quantity of solution of opium is added.
The seeds of the poppy are simply emulsive, and contain none
of the narcotic principle. They yield a considerable quantity of
fixed oil by expression.
Two kinds of opium are found in commerce, distinguished by
the names of Turkish and East India opium.
Turkey opium is a solid compact substance, possessing a consi-
derable degree of tenacity; when broken, having a shining fracr
ture and uniform appearance; of a dark brown colour; when mois-
tened, marking on paper a light brown interrupted streak, and
becoming yellow when reduced to powder; scarcely colouring the
saliva when chewed, exciting at first a nauseous bitter taste, which
soon becomes acrid, with some degree of warmth; and having a
peculiar heavy disagreeable smell. The best is in flat pieces, and
besides the large leaves in which it is enveloped, is covered with
the reddish capsules of a species of rumex, probably used in pack-
ing it. The round masses which have none of these capsules ad-
hering to them, are evidently inferior in quality. It is bad if it be
soft, friable, mixed with any impurities, have an intensely dark
or blackish colour, a weak or empyreumatic smell, a sweetish
taste, or draw upon paper a brown continuous streak.
East India opium has much less consistence, being sometimes
not much thicker than tar, and always ductile. Its colour is much
darker; its taste more nauseous, and less bitter; and, its smell
rather empyreumatic. It is considerably cheaper than Turkish
opium, and supposed of only half the strength. One eighth of the
weight of the cakes is allowed for the enormous quantity of leaves
with which they are enveloped. In the East ^Indies, when opium
is not good enough to bring a certain pri6e, it is destroyed under
the inspection of officers.
P. — Papaver. 521
Opium is not fusible, but is softened even by the heat of the
fingers. It is highly inflammable. It is partially soluble, both in
alcohol and in water. Neumann got from 1920 parts of opium,
1520 alcoholic, and afterwards 80 watery extract, 320 remaining
undissolved, and inversely 1280 watery, and 200 alcoholic extract,
the residuum being 440.
The solutions are transparent, and have a brown or vinous co-
lour. The watery solution is not decomposed by alcohol. A small
quantity of matter, which, as far as Dr. Duncan's experiments go,
is neither fusible nor remarkably inflammable, is separated from
the alcoholic solution by water. He has also observed that the
watery solution of opium or the alcoholic, after it has been preci-
pitated by water, does not redden vegetable blues, is not precipi-
tated by acids or alkalies, but is precipitated copiously by carbo-
nate of potass, muriate and super-nitrate of mercury, oxymuriate
of tin, sulphate of copper, sulphate of zinc, acetate of Itad, nitrate
of silver, and red sulphate of iron. The precipitate in the last case
was dirty brown, not resembling those by alkaline or astringent
substances. The solutions of opium, especially the watery, are
also copiously precipitated by infusion of galls. This precipitate
seems to resemble that produced by cinchonin, and to be differ-
ent from that produced by gelatin.
Alcohol, or water distilled from opium, are impregnated with
its narcotic virtues, which are also diminished, or entirely dissi-
pated, by long boiling, roasting, or great age. The part of opium
which is insoluble either in water or in alcohol, is albumen, ac-
cording to Gren; caoutchouc, according to Buchholtz; a virulent
glutinous substance, according to Josse; and Proust says it con-
tains wax. From experiments made some years ago, Dr. Duncan
concluded that it was perfectly similar to the gluten of wheat
flour, or fibrine. Long ago it was proposed by M , to sepa-
rate the resinous parts of opium by the same process that the
fibrine of wheat flour is obtained. The fact is, that if Turkey
opium be kneaded in a large quantity of water, the soluble parts
are removed, and there remains in the hand an adhesive plastic
mass, of a paler colour, not fusible, but becoming ductile when
immersed in hot water, inflammable, imparting some colour to
alcohol, but not soluble in it. East India opium, treated in the
same way, is entirely dissolved or diffused in the water, and
leaves no plastic mass in the hand.
Upon the whole, it appears that the active constituent of opium,
though not perfectly understood, is of a volatile nature, but some-
what fixed by its combination with the other constituents; that it
is soluble both in water and in alcohol; that it is dissipated in the
processes recommended for purifying opium by solution and eva-
poration; and that the attempts made by some pharmaceutists, to
obtain a preparation of opium, which should possess only its se-
3 U
522 Materia Mfdica.
dative, without its narcotic effects, only succeeded in so far as.
they diminished its activity.
By evaporating a watery solution of opium to the consistence of
a syrup, Derome obtained a precipitate, which was increased by
diluting it with water. He dissolved this in hot alcohol, from
which it again separated on cooling. When purified by repeated
solutions it crystallized in rectangular prisms, with rhomboidal
bases, had no taste or smell, was insoluble in cold water, and so-
luble in 400 parts of boiling water, did not affect vegetable blues,
was soluble in 24 parts boiling, and 110 cold, alcohol; soluble in
hot ether and volatile oils, and separated from them as they cooled:
very soluble in all acids, and highly narcotic. These observation*
are curious, and deserve to be confirmed.
Medical use. — The action of opium on the living system, has
been the subject of the keenest controversy. Some have asserted
that it is a direct sedative, and that it produces no stimulant ef-
fects whatever, while others have asserted as strongly, that it is a
powerful, and highly diffusible, stimulus, and that the sedative ef-
fects, which it certainly produces, are merely the consequence of
the previous excitement. The truth appears to be that opium is
certainly capable of producing a certain degree of excitement*
while the sedative effects which always succeed, are incomparably
greater than could be produced by the preceding excitement. The
stimulant effects are most apparent from small doses. These in-
crease the energy of the mind, the frequency of the pulse, and the
heat of the body, excite thirst, render the mouth dry and parched,
and diminish all the secretions and excretions, except the cuticu-
lar discharge, which they increase. These effects are succeeded
by languor and lassitude. In larger doses, the stimulant effects
are not so apparent, but the power of all stimulating causes of
making impressions on either the body or mind, is remarkably
diminished, pain and fear both ceasing to make any impression,
and confusion of head, vertigo, and sleep, are produced. In ex-
cessive doses it proves a violent narcotic poison, producing head-
ach, vertigo, delirium, and convulsions, accompanied with a very
slow pulse, stertorous breathing, and a remarkable degree of in-
sensibility or stupor, terminated by apoplectic death. In one case
where Dr. Duncan inspected the body after death, the inner
membrane of the stomach was remarkably corrugated, and with
some inflammation, but as large doses of sulphate of zinc, and of
flour of mustard had been also taken, no inference can be drawn
from these appearances. The bad effects of an over-dose of opium
are often prevented by vomiting when it is excited, and they are
best counteracted by making the patient drink freely of acids and
coffee, and not permitting him to yield to his desire of sleeping.
By habit, the effects of opium on the body are remarkably dimi-
nished. There have been instances of four grains proving fatal to
P4^-Papaver. 523
adults, while others have been known to consume as many
drachms daily. The habitual use of opium produces the same
effects with habitual dram drinking, tremors, paralysis, and stu-
pidity, and like it can scarcely ever be relinquished.
From these effects of opium in a state of health, it is not won-
derful that recourse should have been had to it in disease, as miti-
gating pain, inducing sleep, allaying inordinate action, and dimi-
nishing morbid sensibility. That these effects result from it, is
confirmed by the daily experience of every observer; and as an-
swering one or other of these intentions, most, if not all, of the
good consequences derived from it in actual practice are to be
explained. If, therefore, by a sedative medicine, we mean an ar-
ticle capable of allaying, assuaging, mitigating, and composing,
no substance can have a better title to the appellation of sedative
than opium.
Some practitioners are averse to its use in active inflammation;
but others have recourse to it in such cases, even at an early pe-
riod, especially after blood-letting; and where such affections are
attended not only with pain and spasm, but with watchfulness
and cough, it is often productive of the greatest benefit. Opium
combined with calomel has of late been extensively emploved in
every form of active inflammation, and with the greatest success.
It is found also to be of very great service in allaying the pain
and preventing the symptomatic fever liable to be induced by
wounds, fractures, burns, or similar accidents.
In intermittents, it is said to have been used with good effect
before the fit, in the cold stage, in the hot stage, and during the
interval. Given even in the hot stage, it has been observed to
allay the heat, thirst, headach, and delirium, to induce sweat and
sleep, to cure the disease with less bark, and without leaving ab-
dominal obstructions or dropsy.
It is often of very great service in fevers of the typhoid type,
when patients are distressed with watchfulness or diarrhoea. But
where these or similar circumstances do not indicate its use, it is
often distressing to patients by augmenting thirst and consti-
pation.
In small-pox, when the convulsions before eruption are fre-
quent and considerable, or when the accompanying fever is of the
typhoid type, opium is liberally used. It is likewise given from
the fifth day onwards; and is found to allay the pain of suppura-
tion, to promote the ptyalism, and to be otherwise useful.
In dysentery, after the use of gentle laxatives, or along with
them, opium, independently of any effect it may have on the fever,
is of consequence in allaying the tormina and tenesmus, and in
obviating that laxity of bowels which so frequently remains after
that disease.
524 Materia Medica,
In diarrhoea, the disease itself generally carries off any acri*
mony that may be a cause, and then opium is used with great
effect. Even in the worst symptomatic cases, it seldom fails to
alleviate.
In cholera and pyrosis, it is almost the only thing trusted to.
In colic, it is employed with laxatives; and often prevents ileus
and inflammation, by relieving the spasm. Even in ileus it is
sometimes used to allay the vomiting, the spasms, and the pain.
It is given to allay the pain and favour the descent of calculi,
and to give relief in jaundice and dysuria proceeding from spasm.
It is of acknowledged use in the different species of tetanus;
affords relief to the various spasmodic symptoms of dyspepsia,
hysteria, hypochondriasis, asthma, rabies canina, &c. and has
been found useful in some kinds of epilepsy.
In syphilis it is only useful in combating symptoms, and in coun-
teracting the effects resulting from the improper use of mercury,
for it possesses no power of overcoming the venereal virus.
It is found useful in certain cases of threatened abortion and
lingering delivery, in convulsions during parturition, and in the
after-pains and excessive flooding.
The administration of opium to the unaccustomed, is sometimes
very difficult. The requisite quantity of opium is wonderfully dif-
ferent in different persons, and in different states of the same per-
son* A quarter of a grain will in one adult produce effects which
ten times the quantity will not do in another; and a dose that
might prove fatal in cholera or colic, would not be perceptible in
many cases of tetanus or mania. When given in too small a dose,
it is apt to produce disturbed sleep, and other disagreeable con-
sequences; and with some constitutions it seems not to agree in
any dose or form. Often, on the other hand, from a small dose,
sound sleep, and alleviation of pain will be produced, while a
larger one gives rise to vertigo and delirium. Its stimulant effects
are most certainly produced by the repetition of small doses, its
anodyne by the giving of a full dose at once. In some it seems not
to have its proper effect till after a considerable time. The ope-
ration of a moderate dose is supposed to last in general about
eight hours from the time of taking it.
Externally, opium is used to diminish pain, and to remove
spasmodic affections. It is found particularly serviceable in chro-
nic ophthalmia, when accompanied with morbidly increased sen-*
sibility.
Opium may be exhibited,
1. In substance, made up iu the Form of a pill, troche, or
electuary. Its most efficient form.
2. Dissolved in diluted alcohol or white wine.
3. Dissolved in water or watery fluids. Very perisjiable.
4. Dried and reduced to powder.
p. — Pastinaca Opoponax. 525
It is often given in combination with aromatics, astringents,
emetics, bitters, camphor, soap, distilled waters, mucilage, syrups,
acids, carbonate of ammonia, ether, acetate of lead, tartrate of an-
timony and potass, and unctuous substances. Some of these are
certainly unchemical mixtures, for experiment shows that the so-
lutions of opium are copiously precipitated by astringents, the
alkaline carbonates, and all the metallic salts.
Officinal Preparations.
Opium purificatum, L. D. - vide Extracta.
Extractum opii, - - Idem*
Pilulae opii, E. L. - - PHufa.
Trochisci glycyrr. cum opio, - Trochisci.
Electuarium sive confectio opiata, E. L. Electuaria.
catechu, E. D. - Idem.
Tinctura opii, E. L. D. - - Tinctures.
camphorata, L. D. - Idem.
ammoniata, E. - Idem.
Syrupus opii, D. Syrupi.
papaveris somniferi, E. L. Idem.
Pulvis opiatus, E. - - Pulvere\.
ipecacuanha et opii, E. - Idem.
PASTINACA OPOPONAX. Opoponax. Gummi-resina. L.
Opoponax. A gum-resin.
Willd.g.558. sp. 3. — Pentandria Dlgynia. — Nat.ord. Umbellate*
This plant is perennial, and grows wild in the south of Europe;
but the gum-resin which is said to be obtained by wounding the
stalk Or root, is brought from the Levant and East Indies, some-
times in round drops or tears, but more commonly in irregular
lumps, of a reddish yellow colour on the outside with specks of
white, inwardly of a paler colour, and frequently variegated with
large white pieces. It has a peculiar strong smell, and a bitter,
acrid, somewhat nauseous taste.
Neumann got from 480 parts, 166 alcoholic, and afterwards
180 watery extract, and inversely 226 watery, and 60 alcoholic.
Both the water and alcohol distilled from it were impregnated
with its flavour. It forms a milky solution with water, and yields
a little essential oil on distillation. It is supposed to be emme-
nagogue, but is rarely used.
Officinal Preparation.
Pilulae galbani composite. L. - vide Pilula.
526 Materia Medica.
PHASIANUS GALLUS. Ovum. Putamen. L. D.
The dung-hill-fowl. The egg, and egg-shell.
CI. Aves. Ord. Gallince.
From what country this useful bird originally came, is not as-
certained. It is now domesticated almost everywhere, and fur-
nishes one of the most wholesome and delicate articles of food.
The egg only is officinal. The shell consists principally of car-
bonate of lime, with a small quantity of phosphate of lime and
animal matter. When burnt, the animal matter and carbonic acid
are destroyed, and we obtain a lime, mixed with a little phos-
phate of lime.
The contents of the egg consist of two substances, the white,
and the yolk. The white is albumen,* combined with a little soda
and sulphur. The yolk is also albuminous, but contains also a
bland oil, and some colouring matter. The latter is sometimes
used in pharmacy for suspending oily and resinous substances in
water. The former is used for clarification.
Officinal Preparations.
Ovorum testae prseparatae, D. vide Carbonas calcis prceparatus.
Cataplasma aluminis, L. D. Cataplasmata.
* Albumen is a brittle, transparent substance, of a pale yellow colour, and glu-
tinous taste, without smell, readily soluble in cold water, insoluble in boiling wa-
ter, but softened and rendered opaque and white when thrown into it; insoluble,
and retaining its transparency in alcohol; swelling; becoming brown and decre-
pitating when suddenly exposed to heat It generally exists in the form of a vis-
cid, transparent fluid, having little taste or smell, and readily soluble in cold wa-
ter. When exposed to a temperature of 165°, it coagulates into a white opaque
mass, of considerable consistency; it is also coagulated by alcohol and acids.
Albumen forms with tannin a yellow precipitate, insoluble in water. Coagulated
albumen is not soluble either in cold or in boiling water. It is soluble, but with
decomposition, in the alkalies and alkaline earths. It is also soluble in the acids,
greatly diluted, but may be precipitated from them by tannin. When slowly
dried, it becomes brittle, transparent, and of a yellow colour, resembling amber.
When decomposed by nitric acid or heat, it is found to contain more nitrogen
than gelatin does. White of egg consists of albumen, combined with a very
little soda, sulphur, and phosphate of lime. Albumen also forms a large pro-
portion of the serum of the blood, and is found in the sap of vegetables. It is
highly nutritious.
P.— Phosphorus. 527
PHOSPHORUS.— PHOSPHORUS.
Phosphorus is a semi-transparent solid, slightly brilliant, and
of a waxy consistence; specific gravity 1.770; taste in some de-
gree acrid and disagreeable; smell alliaceous. It is brittle under
32°; its fracture is vitreous, brilliant, and sometimes lamellated;
above 32° it softens a little, becomes ductile about 90°, melts at
99°, becoming transparent like a white oil; at 180° begins to be va-
porized, and at 554° boils. It is crystallizable into prismatic
needles or long octohedrons. It exists in many minerals, and is
obtained from bones and other animal substances.
Primary Compounds of Phosphorus.
a. With oxygen:
1. Oxide of phosphorus.
2. Phosphorous acid.
3. Phosphoric acid.
b. With nitrogen. Phosphuretted nitrogen gas.
c. With hydrogen. Phosphuretted hydrogen gas.
d. With sulphur. Phosphuret of sulphur.
e. With metals. Metallic phosphurets.
f. With salifiable bases. Alkaline and earthy phosphurets.
In its solid state, phosphorus is not acted upon by pure oxygen
gas, but when melted, burns in it at 80° with a dazzling splen-
dour, absorbing about half its weight of oxygen, and forming
phosphoric acid. In atmospheric air, it undergoes a slow combus-
tion at 43°, emitting light in the dark, but without the production
of sensible heat; absorbing a portion of ox\ gen, and forming
phosphorous acid; at 148° it burns rapidly, but less brilliantly
than in oxygen gas, forming phosphoric acid. It is therefore al-
ways kept immersed in boiled water; but even there its surface
is oxidized, becoming white and opaque.
Hydroguretted phosphorus possesses a peculiar odour, and the
property of becoming luminous when mixed with oxygen gas.
It may be combined with a much larger proportion of phospho*
rus, acquiring then a fetid alliaceous odour, a considerable in-
crease of specific gravity, and the property of burning by the
simple contact of oxygen, or of the atmosphere, with a very bril-
liant white flame.
Sulphuretted phosphorus, and phosphuretted sulphur, are of a
yellowish colour, more fusible than either of the components, and
exceedingly inflammable.
Nitrogen gas dissolves phosphorus, forming a fetid gas, which
inflames at a low temperature.
528 t Materia Medica.
Phosphuret of lime is insoluble in water; but when thrown into
it, decomposes it, and produces phosphuretted hydrogen gas,
whose bubbles catch fire when they burst on the surface of the
water. Phosphuret of baryta is a brown mass; of a metallic ap-
pearance; very fusible; luminous in the dark; decomposed by ex-
posure to air; emitting an alliaceous smell when moistened; and
decomposed by water, furnishing phosphuretted hydrogen gas.
The phosphuret of strontia is very similar.
Phosphorous acid is a white fluid of an oily appearance. It
has a fetid odour, and disagreeable taste; and gives out a thick
white smoke and vivid flame when strongly heated. It is decom-
posed by ignited charcoal. The proportions of phosphorus and
oxygen have not been ascertained.
The phosphites are fusible, and when heated in close vessels
furnish a little phosphorus, and become phosphates. When heat-
ed in the open air, they emit a phosphorescent light, and often
flashes of flame, accompanied by a strong smell of garlic, and a
thick white vapour, and are converted into phosphates.
Phosphoric acid is composed of phosphorous acid and oxygen.
It is crystallizable, fusible, and vitrescent. Its specific gravity is
2.687. It readily attracts moisture from the atmosphere, and then
its specific gravity becomes 1.417. Its mixture with water pro-
duces little increase of temperature. It is decomposed at a high
temperature by hydrogen and carbon, and by several of the me-
tals. It consists of 40 phosphorus and 60 oxygen.
The phosphates are crystallizable, fixed, fusible, verifiable, and
phosphorescent. They are not decomposed by charcoal. They
are soluble in nitric acid without effervescence, and precipitable
from that solution by lime water.
Officinal PREPARAfioNs.
Phosphas sodae, - - vide Soda.
calcis, - - Cervus elaphus.
hydrargyri, - Hydrargyrum.
PHYSETER MACROCEPHALUS. Sevum. Ed.
Spermaceti. L. D.
Spermaceti-whale. The suet. Spermaceti.
CI. Mammalia. Ord. Cetacea.
D.
Walschot. P.
Esfiermaceti.
DA.
Hvalrav, Hvalsperme. POL.
Spermaceti, Olbrod.
F.
Blanc de baleine, Sfierme de R.
Spermazet.
baleine. S.
Esfierma de ballena.
G.
Wallrath.
Esfiermaceti.
*;
Sfie?°macetz, SW.
Vallrat9 Valraf.
P. — Phytolacca Decandra. 529
j
The spermaceti whale is characterized by his enormous head,
great part of which is occupied by a triangular cavity of bone,
covered only by the common integuments. In the living animal
this cavity is filled with a white, fluid, oily substance, amounting
sometimes to many tons in weight. On the death of the whale,
it congeals into a white unctuous mass, from which a consider-
able quantity of very pure whale oil is obtained by expression.
The residuum, afterwards freed from impurities, by washing
with water, melting, straining, expression through linen bags,
and, lastly, washing in a weak ley of potass, is the peculiar sub-
stance well known by the name of spermaceti. It is also con-
tained in solution in the common whale and other fish-oils; for
it is often found deposited, by a species of crystallization, in the
reservoirs containing them.
Spermaceti may be obtained crystallized in white argentine
plates, of an unctuous feel and taste, and a vapid smell. It melts
between 90° and 95°, and at a higher temperature may be sub-
limed almost unchanged. Its vapour is inflammable, and its flame
is bright, clear, and without smell. By exposure to air it becomes
rancid. It is soluble, especially by the assistance of heat, in alco-
hol and in ether. In its other properties it agrees with the fixed
oils, with which it unites very readily by fusion. Muscular flesh
by long maceration in water is converted into a substance very
analagous to spermaceti, but more fusible, melting at 82°; and
biliary calculi often consist of another, which is much less fusible,
requiring a heat of 192° for its fusion. For all these varieties^
Fourcroy has proposed the generic name Adipocere.
As a medicine, for internal use, it agrees with the fixed vege-
table oils; and in the composition of ointments, &c. its place may
be very well supplied by a mixture of oil and wax.
PHYTOLACCA DECANDRA.
Poke. Garget* American night-shade, &?c.
I Tins is one of the most common North American plants. The
young shoots are eaten with impunity, and are by many preferred
to asparagus. It is a plant of great activity. Tincture of the ripe
berries in brandy or wine is a popular remedy for rheumatism in
many parts. It is a valuable remedy in chronic rheumatism and
other similar affections; and it may be given safely in all cases
where guaiacum is proper. In rheumatic affections succeeding
syphilis, it seems more valuable than the guaiacum, especially
when combined with mercury. The extract of the juice of the
ripe berries has been employed in some cases of scrofula, and
it is said to have been advantageously used externally in cases
3X
•530 Materia Medica.
of cancerous ulcers; the juice of the leaves is said to be mom
effectual. For further particulars, see Shultz's Inaugural Disser-
tation on this plant.*
PILULE.— PILLS.
To this form are peculiarly adapted those drugs which operate
in a small dose, and whose nauseous and offensive taste or smelt
require them to be concealed from the palate.
Pills should have the consistence of a firm paste, a round form,
and a weight not exceeding five grains. Essential oils may enter
them in small quantity: deliquescent salts are improper. Efflo-
rescent salts, such as carbonate of soda, should be previously ex-
posed, so as to fall to powder: deliquescent extracts should have
some powder combined with them. The mass should be beaten
until it become perfectly uniform and plastic. Powders may be
made into pills with extracts, balsams, soap, mucilages, bread
crumb, &c.
Gummy resins, and inspissated juices are sometimes soft
enough to be made into pills, without addition: where any mois-
ture is requisite, spirit of wine is more proper than syrups or con-
serves, as it unites more readily with them, and does not sensibly
increase their bulk. Light dry powders require syrup or muci-
lages: and the more ponderous, as the mercurial and other me-
tallic preparations, thick honey, conserve or extracts.
Light powders require about half their weight of syrup; or of
honey, about three fourths their weight; to reduce them into a
due consistence for forming pills. Half a drachm of the mass will
make five or six pills of a moderate size.
Gums and inspissated juices, are to be first softened with the
liquid prescribed: the powders are then to be added, and the
whole beat thoroughly together, till they be perfectly mixed.
The masses for pills are best kept in bladders, which should
be moistened now and then with some of the same kind of liquid
that the mass was made up with, or with some proper aromatic
oil.
When the mass is to be divided into pills, a given weight of it
is rolled out into a cylinder of a given length, and of an equal
thickness throughout, and is then divided into a given number
of equal pieces, by means of a simple* machine. These pieces are
then rounded between the fingers; and, to prevent them from adjf
* Barton's Collections, Part II. p. 27. .
P.— Pilulae. 531
hering, they are covered tither with starch, or powder of liquor-
ice, or orris root. In Germany the powder of lycopodium is
much used. Magnesia is perhaps preferable to any other pow-
der for covering pills.
PILULiE ALOETICiE. Ed. D.
Aloetic Pills.
Take of
Aloes, in powder,
Soap, equal parts.
Beat them with simple syrup into a mass fit for making pills. (E^
PILULiE ALOES CUM ZINGIBERS. Dub.
Pills of Aloes and Ginger,
Take of
Hepatic aloes, one ounce;
Ginger root, in powder, one drachm;
Soap, half an ounce;
Essence of peppermint, half a drachm.
Powder the aloes with the ginger, then, add the soap and the oil
so as to form an intimate mixture.
PILULiE ALOES COMPOSITiE. L.
Compound Pills of Aloes.
Take of
Socotorine aloes, powdered, one ounce;
Extract of gentian, half an ounce;
Oil of caraway seeds, two scruples;
Syrup of ginger, as much as is sufficient.
Beat them together. (L.)
Although soap can scarcely be thought to facilitate the solu-
tion of the aloes in the stomach, as was supposed by Boerhaave
and others, it is probably the most convenient substance that can
be added to give it the proper consistence for making pills. When
extract of gentian is triturated with aloes, they re-act upon each
other, and become too soft to form pills, so that the addition of
any syrup to the mass is perfectly unnecessary, unless at the same
time some powder be added to give it consistency, as is done by
532 Materia Medica.
the Dublin college. These pills have been much used as warm
and stomachic laxatives: they are very well suited for the costive-
ness so often attendant on people of sedentary lives. Like other
preparations of aloes, they are also used in jaundice, and in cer-
tain cases of obstructed menses. They are seldom used for pro-
ducing full purging; but if this be required, a scruple or half a
drachm of the mass may be made into pills of a moderate size
for one dose.
PILULjE ALOES cum ASSA FCETIDA. Ed.
Pills of Aloes , with Assa Fcetida.
Take of
Socotorine aloes,
Assa fcetida,
Soap, equal parts.
Form them into a mass with mucilage of gum arabic. (E.)
These pills, in doses of about, ten grains twice a-day, produce
the most salutary effects in cases of dyspepsia, attended with
flatulence and costiveness.
PILULiE ALOES cum COLOCYNTHIDE. Ed.
Pills of Aloes with Colocynth.
Take of
Socotorine aloes,
Scammony, of each eight parts;
Colocynth, four parts;
Oil of cloves,
Sulphate of potass with sulphur, of each one part.
Reduce the aloes and scammony into a powder with the salt; then
let the colocynth, beat into a very fine powder, and the oil, be
added; lastly, make it into a proper mass with mucilage of gum
arabic. (E.)
In these pills we have a very useful and active purgative; and
where the simple aloetic pill is not sufficient for obviating cos-
tiveness, this will often effectually answer the purpose. Little of
their activity can depend upon the salt which enters the compo-
sition. These pills often produce a copious discharge in cases of
obstinate costiveness, when taken to the extent only of five or ten
grains; but they may be employed in much larger doses. They
are, however, seldom used with the view of producing proper
catharsis. Half a drachm of the mass contains about five grains
of the colocynth, ten of the aloes, and ten of the scammony.
P. — Pilulse. 533
PILULjE ALOES cum MYRRHA. Ed. L.
Pills of Aloes with Myrrh.
Take of
Socotonne aloes, two ounces;
Myrrh, one ounce;
Saffron, half an ounce.
Beat them into a mass with a proper quantity of syrup. (E.)
These pills have long continued in practice, without any other
alteration than in the syrup with which the mass is made up, and
in the proportion of saffron, which might indeed be altogether
omitted, without any disadvantage. The virtues of this medicine
may be easily understood from its ingredients. Given to the
quantity of half a drachm or two scruples, they prove consider-
ably cathartic, but they answer much better purposes in smaller
doses as laxatives or alteratives.
PILULiE ARSENICI cum OPIO.
Pills of Arsenic with Opium.
Take of
White oxide of arsenic (arsenious acid) erne grain,
Opium, four grains.
Make them into a mass with conserve of roses, or honey or soap.
To be divided into sixteen pills.
An adult may take two or three of these pills at different pe-
riods of the day and night. Arsenic is sometimes used in larger
doses, but the above quantity is sufficient in the space of twenty-
four hours, for most cases of intermittents.*
PILULiE ASSjE FCETIDiE COMPOSITE. Ed.
Compound Pills of Assa Fcetida*
Take of
Assa fcetida,
Galbanum,
Myrrh, each eight parts;
Rectified oil of amber, one part.
Beat them into a mass with simple syrup. (E.)
* Barton's Collections for an Essay towards a Materia Medica of the United
States, Part II. p. 19.
534 Materia Medica.
PILULE GALBANI COMPOSITE. L,
Compound Pills of Ga\banum*
Take of
Galbanum,
Opoponax,
Myrrh,
Sagapenum, of each one ounce;
Assa foetida, hall an ounce;
Syrup of saffron, as much as is sufficient.
Beat them together. (L.)
These pills are designed for anti-hysterics and emenagogues,
and are very well calculated for answering those intentions; half
a scruple, a scruple, or more, may be taken every night or oftener.
The rectified oil of amber is a very injudicious addition, as it
prevents the pills from acquiring a proper degree of hardness.
The tincture of assa fcetida is preferable, and this is certainly the
case with all those pills, formed of substances of which a tincture
is likewise prepared.
PILULE AMMONIARETI CUPRI. Ed.
Pills of Ammoniaret of Copper.
Take of
Ammoniaret of copper, sixteen grains;
Bread crumb, four scruples;
Water of carbonate of ammonia, as much as may be sufficient.
Beat them into a mass, to be divided into thirty-two equal pills.
(E.)
Each of these pills weighs about three grains, and contains
somewhat more than half a grain of the ammoniaret of copper.
They seem to be the best' form of exhibiting this medicine.
PILULjE HYDRARGYRI. Ed. L. D.
Mercurial Pills.
Take of
Purified quicksilver, two drachms; „-
Conserve of roses, three drachms;
Liquorice, finely powdered, one drachm.
Rub the quicksilver with the conserve until the globules disap-
pear; then, adding the liquorice powder, mix them together.
(L.)
P. — Pilule. 535
The common mercurial pill is one of the best preparations of
mercury, and may, in general, supersede most other forms of this
medicine. In its preparation the mercury is minutely divided, and
probably converted into the black oxide. To effect its mechanical
division it must be triturated with some viscid substance. Soap,
resin ofguaiac, honey, extract of liquorice, manna, and conserve
of roses, have all been at different times recommended. The soap
and guaiac have been rejected on account of their being decom-
posed by the juices of the stomach; and the honey, because it was
apt to gripe some people. With regard to the others, the grounds
of selection are not well understood, perhaps the acid contained in
the conserve of roses may contribute to the extinction of the mer-
cury. We learn when the mercury is completely extinguished,
most easily, by rubbing a very little of the mass with the point of
the finger on a piece of paper, if no globules appear. As soon as
this is the case, it is necessary to mix with the mass a proportion
of some dry powder, to give it a proper degree of consistency.
For this purpose, powder of liquorice root has been commonly
used; but it is extremely apt to become mouldy, and to cause the
pills to spoil. The Edinburgh college have, therefore, with great
propriety, substituted for it starch, which is a very unalterable
substance, and easily procured at all times in a state of purity. It
is necessary to form the mass into pills immediately, as it soon
becomes hard. One grain of mercury is contained in four grains
of the Edinburgh mass, in three of the London, and in two -and
a half of the Dublin. The dose of these pills must be regulated
by circumstances; from two to six five-grain pills may be given
daily.
It is believed, that experiments fairly made, would sanction
thejnanna in preference to any other substance for the speedy
and effectual extinction of the quicksilver: and whatever may be
thought of the conserve of roses, it appears probable its use is
only dependent on the sugar in its composition. The London
formula is here preferred only from its containing a medium
proportion of mercury to the other colleges.
PILULiE OPIATiE; olim, Pilule Thebaic*. Ed.
. Opiate^ or Thebaic Pills.
Pilule Opii. L.
Pills of Opium.
Take of
Hard purified opium, powdered, two drachms;
Extract of liquorice, one ounce.
Beat them until they are perfectly united. (L.)
536 Materia Medica.
One grain of opium is contained in five of this mass; the Edin-
burgh formula contains only one in ten.
PILULiE E STYRACE. Dub.
Storax Pills,
Take of
Purified storax, three drachms;
Soft purified opium,
Saffron, of each one drachm.
Beat them into an uniform mass.
It is unfortunate that the compositions of the colleges should
differ so much in strength, the London and the Dublin contain-
ing two, and the Edinburgh college only one grain of opium, in
ten of the mass. Under the idea that opium is to operate as a se-
dative, the addition of the pepper is somewhat injudicious. The
London title also is improper, as it is naturally employed for pills
of opium without any addition. Even the title adopted by the
Edinburgh college is ambiguous. That of the Dublin appears to
me well contrived, although it does not mention the only active
ingredient; as it is often necessary to conceal from our patients
that we are giving them opium, which both the name and smell
of the storax enable us to do.
PILULjE RHEI COMPOSITE. Ed.
Compound Pills of Rhubarb.
Take of
Rhubarb, one ounce;
Socotorine aloes, six drachms;
Myrrh, half an ounce;
Essential oil of peppermint, half a drachm.
Make them into a mass, with a sufficient quantity of syrup of
orange peel. (E.)
This pill is intended for moderately warming and strengthen-
ing the stomach, and gently opening the belly. A scruple of the
mass may be taken twice a day.
P.— Pilulae. 537
PILULE SCILL.E. L.
Pilule ScilliticjE. Ed, D.
Squill Pills.
Take of
Fresh dried squills, powdered, one drachm;
Ginger, powdered,
Soap, of each three drachms;
Ammoniacum, two drachms;
Syrup of ginger, as much as is sufficient.
Beat them together. (L. D.)
This is an elegant and commodious form for the exhibition of
squills, whether for promoting expectoration, or with the other
intentions to which that medicine is applied: As the virtue of the
compound is derived chiefly from the squills, the other ingredi-
ents are often varied in extemporaneous prescription.
PILULiE STIBII COMPOSITE; olim, Pilule
Plummeri. D.
Compound Antimonial Pills; formerly Plummets Pills.
Take of
Precipitated sulphur of antimony,
Mild muriate of mercury, each three drachms;
Extract of gentian,
Hard Spanish soap, each one drachm.
Let the mercury be triturated with the sulphur; then add the ex-
tract, and form a mass with jelly of soap. (D.)
These pills were recommended to the attention of the public
about forty years ago by Dr. Plummer, whose name they long
bore. He represented them in a paper which he published in the
Edinburgh Medical Essays as a very useful alterative; and on his
authority they were at Qne time much employed; but they are
now less extensively used than formerly.
3 Y
538 Materia Medica.
PIMPINELLA ANISUM. Semen. Ed.
Anisum. L. D.
Anise. The seed.
Willd. g. 562. sp. 8. Pentandria Digynia. — Nat. ord. Umbellatct,
D. Anys. P. Anisy Anise.
DA. Anis. POL. Anyz.
F. Anis. R. Anis.
C. Anis. S. Anis.
I. Anice, Anese. SW. ./fm*.
Anise is an annual umbelliferous plant, growing naturally in
Crete, Syria, and other places of the east. It is cultivated in some
parts of France, Germany and Spain, and may be raised also in
England: the seeds brought from Spain, which are smaller than
the others, are preferred.
Aniseeds have an aromatic smell, and a pleasant warm taste,
accompanied with a degree of sweetness. Water extracts very
little of their flavour; rectified spirit the whole.
Officinal Preparations.
Ol. volat. anisi, E. L. D. - - vide Olea volatilia.
Spiritus anisi, L. ... Spiritus destillati.
PINUS.
Moncecia Adelphia. — Nat. ord. Coniferoe.
PINUS ABIES. Common Spruce-fir.
a. Resina. Ed. Pix Burgundica. D.
b. Resina alba. D.
Burgundy-pitch. Common frankincense.
\
> PINUS BALSAMEA.-Hemlock.fir.
Resina. Ed. Balsamum Canadense. L. D.
Balsam of Canada. (
s
P.— Pinus. 539
PINUS LARIX. The Larch.
a. Resina. Ed. Terebinthina Veneta. D.
b. Oleum volatile. E.
Venice turpentine. Oil of turpentine.
PINUS SYLVESTRIS. Scotch-fir.
a. Resina. Ed. Fix liquida. D.
b. Terebinthina vulgaris. D.
c. Resina alba. D.
Scotch fir. Tar. Common turpentine. Common frankincense.
These different species of fir are all natives of sandy situations.
The last only grows wild in Great Britain. They all abound in
every part with a resinous juice, which possesses the same gene-
ral qualities, but presents some varieties, according to the nature
of the species and mode of preparation.
We may arrange the products,
1. Into those which exude spontaneously.
2. Into those produced by wounding the tree.
3. Into those procured by decoction. And
4. Into those which are procured by the action of fire.
The pinus larix exudes a species of manna, called Brian^on
Manna, but which is not used; as, besides the saccharine mat-
ters, it evidently contains turpentine.
From the pinus abies, and perhaps from the pinus sylvestris, in
warm seasons and climates, a resinous juice exudes spontaneous-
ly, which hardens into tears. It is the Thus of the London Phar-
macopoeia, the Resi?ia alba of the Dublin; or common frankin-
cense.
To obtain the products of the second kind, a series of wounds
are made through the bark into the wood, beginning at the bot-
tom, and rising gradually upwards, until a stripe of the bark, about
nine feet high, be removed, which is commonly effected in about
four years. The same operation is then repeated on the opposite
side. The operation is then recommenced close to the edge of the
former wound, which by this time is nearly closed. A tree work-
ed in this manner will survive and furnish turpentine for near a
century. The juice which flows from these wounds during sum-
mer, is collected in a small cavity, formed in the earth at the
bottom of the incisions, from which it is occasionally removed
into proper reservoirs previous to its purification. As the trees
exude very little juice during cold weather, no new incisions are
540 Materia Medica.
made in winter; but the old ones get covered with a soft resinous
crust, called barras when it is impure, and mixed with bits of bark,
dust, and sand; gallipot, when collected with more care; or white
incense, when it is allowed to remain so long exposed that it be-
comes resinified, which is scraped off, and also collected for sub-
sequent purification.
Both these products are purified by liquefaction and filtration.
They consist almost entirely of an essential oil and a resin, and
differ only in the proportions, the turpentine containing most oil,,
and the gallipot most resin.
Terebinthina.
Turpentines have different appellations, chiefly according to
the country from which they are procured.
Balsam of Canada, from the Pinus balsamea et Canadensis.
Resina. Ed. Balsamum Canadense, L. D.
Cyprian turpentine, from the Pistacia terebinthus.
Terebinthina Chia. <L.
Strasburgh turpentine, from the Pinus picea.
Venice turpentine, from the Pinus larix.
Resina. Ed. Terebinthina Veneta. L.
Common turpentine, from the Pinus sylvestris.
Terebinthina vulgaris. L. D.
Hungarian balsam, from the Pinus sylvestris var. Mughos.
Carpatian balsam, from the Pinus cembra.
None of these are properly balsams; which term is now used
to express those oily resinous substances only which contain ben-
zoic acid. The Edinburgh college have denominated them resins,
but the proportion of essential oil which they contain is much too
large to admit of the name, which ought to be confined to the
other constituent, being applied to the compound with propriety.
Therefore, until more attention shall be paid to this branch of
nomenclature, we shall employ the common term of Turpentine.
All these species of turpentine possess the same general pro-
perties. They are more or less fluid, with different degrees of
transparency; of a whitish or yellowish colour; a penetrating smell,
and a warm, pungent, bitterish taste. They are entirely soluble in
alcohol; combine with fixed oil; and impart their flavour to wa-
ter, but are not soluble in it. They are decomposed by a mode-
rate heat, being separated into an essential oil and a resin, and
are exceedingly inflammable, burning .with a large white flame,
and much smoke. /
Each species has some peculiarities. The Canadian is reckon-
ed the best, and next to it the Chian. They are more transparent,,
P. — Pinus. — Resina. 541
and have a more agreeable flavour than the other sorts. The com-
mon turpentine, as being the most offensive, is rarely given inter-
nally; its principal use is in plasters and ointments among farri-
ers, and for the distillation of the essential oil.
Medical use. — Taken internally, they are active stimulants, in-
crease the secretion of urine, to which they give the smell of vio-
lets, even though applied only externally, and open the bowels.
They are principally recommended in gleets, the fluor albus,
and the like; and by some in calculous complaints. In all cases
accompanied with inflammation, they ought to be abstained from,
as this symptom is increased, and not unfrequently occasioned,
by them! Their dose is from a scruple to a drachm and a half:
they are most commodiously taken in the form of a bolus, or
blended with watery liquors by the mediation of the yolk of an
e^g or mucilage.
But they are more frequently used externally as stimulants and
discutients, and enter several officinal plasters and ointments.
Resina.
When any of these turpentines lose a considerable portion of
their volatile oil, either by exposure to the air, or by distillation,
they become more consistent, and acquire the name of resins*
or rosin.
* Resins are concrete substances, possessing a certain degree of transparen-
cy, and are generally of an amber or brownish red colour. Their texture is
homogeneous, and their fracture vitreous. They are easily reduced to powder,
which readily agglutinates. Their specific gravity varies from 1.0452 to
1.2289 They have little taste or smell. They are electrics. Exposed to a certain
degree of heat, they melt without suffering alteration, but they are decomposed
when converted into vapour. Their vapour is inflammable, and burns with a
large strong flame and a great deal of soot. Resins unite by fusion with sulphur,
difficultly with phosphorus. They are soluble in alcohol, the fixed and the vo-
latile oils, alkalies, and in nitric acid with evolution of nitric oxide gas. They
are insoluble in water, and are not acted upon by metallic oxides. Officinal.
Pine resins, dragons blood, guaiac, balsams of Peru, Tolu, Gilead, and Cana-
da, turpentine, benzoin, storax, olibanum, tacamahac, mastiche, sandarac,
elemi.
Amber, Copal, and about one fifth of sandarac differ from the resins in not
being soluble in alcohol without particular management.
S'4-2 Materia Medica*
Thus. L. Resina alba. D.
Common frankincense. White rosin.
This is the resinous juice which exudes from the different
species of fir trees, and is allowed to harden by exposure to the
air. It is a solid brittle resin, brought to us in little globes or
masses of a brownish or yellowish colour on the outside; inter-
nally whitish, or variegated with whitish specks, of a bitterish.
aciW, not agreeable taste, without any considerable smell.
Resina Pini Abietis. Ed. Pix Burgundica. D.
Burgundy Pitch.
Real Burgundy pitch is collected, according to Tingry, from
the pinus picea, or spruce fir tree. The resinous juice which ex-
udes from this species is less fluid, and less transparent than the
proper turpentines. It is collected by the peasants, strained
through cloths, and put into barrels. If its consistence be too
thick, it is mixed over the fire with a little turpentine, and oil of
turpentine. A simple mixture of gallipot and barras made without
heat, is often sold under the name of Burgundy pitch, but the
mass resulting from this combination soon becomes friable. It
has neither the unctuosity, viscidity, tenacity, nor smell, which
distinguish the real kind.
Although gallipot contains essential oil, the quantity is so small
that it is never distilled from it. It is purified with melting it with
a very gentle fire, and filtrating it. By this process it still contains
essential oil, and is often sold by the name of Burgundy pitch. If
boiling water be added to it after it is strained, but while it is still
fluid, and they be agitated together till the mass cools, we have a
yellow resin, which, from still containing some essential oil, is
preferred to that prepared by a similar process from the residuum
of the distillation of turpentine.
Resina alba. Resina pini. Ed. Resina Flava. L. D.
Telloxv rosin. Baked turpentine.
The proper turpentines contain a large proportion of volatile
oil, which is often separated from them by distillation.
The residuum of the distillation gets different names accord-
ing to some peculiarities in its treatment. When the distillation
p. — Pinus. — 01. Terebinthinze. 545
is performed without addition, and continued until the whole es-
sential oil be driven off, and there appear some traces of empy-
reuma, the residuum is Fidler's Rosin, or Colophony: but if,
while the mass is still fluid, a quantity of water be added, and
thoroughly blended with the resin by long and constant agitation,
it is then called Yellow Rosin.
At Queensferry, in the neighbourhood of Edinburgh, there is
a considerable turpentine work. The under part of the cake of
the residuum of the distillation resembles fidler's rosin, the action
of the fire having entirely expelled the water and volatile oil, and
rendered it slightly empyreumatic and transparent, while the up-
per part, from retaining some water, is opaque and yellow.
Oleum TerebinthinjE Volatile. Ed.
Oleum TerebinthinjE. L. D.
Oil of Turpentine.
In the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia this essential oil is officinal.
by the other colleges directions are given for its preparation.
It is lighter than water, transparent, limpid, and volatile. It
has a hot pungent taste, and a penetrating smell; is highly inflam-
mable, and possesses all the other properties of essential oils.
It is remarkably difficult of solution in alcohol, although turpen-
tine itself dissolves easily. One part of the volatile oil is indeed
apparently taken up by seven of alcohol, but on standing, the
greatest part of the oil falls to the bottom, a much larger quantity
being necessary to retain it in solution.
Medical use. — As a medicine, it is highly stimulating and pe-
netrating. Internally it acts as a diuretic or sudorific in very small
doses. It has, however, been given in much larger doses, especi-
ally when mixed with honey. Recourse has principally been had
to such doses in cases of chronic rheumatism, particularly in those
modifications of it which are styled sciatica and lumbago. But
they have not been often successful, and sometimes they have
had the effect of inducing bloody urine.
Externally, it often produces excellent effects as a discutient in
indolent tumours; as a stimulus in paralysis of the extremities,
and in bruises; as an antispasmodic, and as a styptic, when ap-
plied as hot as the patient can bear it, on compresses directly to
the bleeding mouths of the vessels; and it is particularly useful
as a domestic application in cases of burns.
Officinal Preparation.
01. Terebinthime purissimum, E. L. D. vide Olea volatilia.
544 Materia Medica.
EXTRACTUM.
Extract.
A fluid extract prepared by decoction from the twigs of the
pinus sylvestris, is the well-known essence of spruce, which, fer-
mented with molasses, forms the fashionable beverage of Spruce
beer.
Resina Empyreumatica. Resina pini sylvestris. Ed.
Pix Liquida. L. D.
The last kind of products from the different species of fir are
obtained by the action of fire. With this view, a conical cavity
is dug out in the earth, communicating at the bottom with a re-
servoir. Billets or thin laths of wood are then placed, so as not
only to fill the cavity, but to form a conical pile over it, which is
covered with turf, and kindled at the top. The admission of air
is so regulated, that it burns from above downwards, with a slow
and smothered combustion. The smoke and vapours formed are
obliged to descend into the excavation in the ground, where they
are condensed, and pass along with the matters liquefied into the
receiver. This mixture is denominated Tar; and the wood itself
is reduced to charcoal. By long boiling, tar is deprived of its vo-
latile parts, and converted into pitch.
Tar is a mixture of resin, empyreumatic oil, charcoal, and ace-
tous acid. Its colour is derived from the charcoal; and the other
properties in which it differs from a common resin, depend on the
presence of acetous acid and empyreumatic oil. The acid itself
is not only soluble in water, but it also renders the empyreumatic
oil soluble in larger quantities than it otherwise would be.
Medical use. — Tar water is a heating diuretic and sudorific re-
medy, but by no means so powerful, or so generally admissible
as it was represented by bishop Berkley. Tar is applied exter-
nally in tinea capitis, and some other cutaneous diseases.
But the most remarkable production is that of a real gum, en-
tirely soluble in water, from a tree so resinous as the Pinus larix.
It is prepared in the Ural larch forests; and exudes, according
to Professor Pallas, from the interior parts of the wood, when it
is burning.
These various products enter largely into the different oirut-
ments, plasters, he.
p. — Piper. — P. Nigrum. 545
AQUA PICIS LIQUIDS. Dub.
Tar Water.
Take of
Tar, two pints;
Water, one gallon.
Mix, by stirring them with a wooden rod, for a quarter of an
hour, and, after the tar has subsided, strain the liquor, and
keep it in well-corked phials.
Tar Water should have the colour of white wine, and a
sharp empyreumatic taste. It is, in fact, a solution of empyreu-
matic oil, effected by means of acetous acid. It was at one time
much extolled as a panacea, but has of late been little emplo ed.
It acts as a stimulant, raising the pulse, and increasing the dis-
charge bv the skin and kidneys. It may be drunk to the extent
of a pint or two in the course of a day.
PIPER.
IVilld. g. 74. Diandria Trigynia. — Nat. ord. Piperita:.
D.
PIPER NIGRUM.
Sp.
1. Fructiis. Ed. L.
Black
pepper.
The berry.
D. Pe/ier.
P. Pimento. .
DA. Peber.
POL. Piefirz.
F. Poivre.
R. Perez.
G. Pfeffer.
S. Pimienta.
I. Pefie.
SW. Pep par.
The black pepper is the fruit of a shrubby creeping plant,
which grows wild in the East Indies, and is cultivated in Java
and Malabar, by which means the fruit is much improved. The
berries are gathered before they are ripe, and are dried in the
sun. They become black and corrugated on the surface; their
taste is hot and fiery, and their smell slightly aromatic.
According to Dr. Thomson, it contains cinchonin, and another
analogous principle. Neumann got from 7680 parts, 4800 watery,
and afterwards 180 alcoholic extract, and inverselv 1080 alco-
holic, and 3640 watery. The principle on which its pungency
depends, was soluble both in water and in alcohol, and was not
volatile, for 7680 grains furnished about 150 of a very bland
volatile oil.
White pepper is the fruit of the same plant, gathered after it
is fully ripe, and freed of its external coat, by maceration in wa-
ter. It is smooth on the surface, and less pungent than the black
pepper. 3 Z
546 Materia Medica.
Officinal Preparation.
Emplastrum meloes vesicatorii compositiun, E. vide Vnguenta,
PIPER CUBEBA. Sp. 3. Cubeba. L.
Cubebs.
P. Cobebas.
P(lL. Kubeby.
R. Kubebii.
S. Cicbebas.
SW. Kobeber.
Cubebs are a fruit brought from Java. This fruit has a great
resemblance to pepper. The principal difference distinguishable
by the eye, is, that each cubeb is furnished with a long slender
stalk, whence they are called by some piper caudatum. In aro-
matic warmth and pungency, cubebs are far inferior to pepper.
Neumann got from 960 grains, 310 alcoholic, and 272 watery
extract, and inversely 380 watery, and 61 alcoholic. It also fur-
nishes some volatile oil.
D.
Koebeben.
DA.
Cubeber.
F.
Cubebes.
G.
Kubeben.
I.
Cubebi.
PIPER LONGUM. Sp. 12. Fructus. Ed. L. D.
Long pepper. The fruit.
The plant which bears the long pepper is also a sarmentaceous
climber. The berries are small round grains, disposed spirally in
a long cylindrical head. They are gathered before they are ripe,
and dried; and are the hottest of all the peppers.
The warmth and pungency of these spices reside entirely in a
resin; their aromatic odour in an essential oil. In medicine they
are sometimes employed as acrid stimulants; but their chief use
is in cookery as condiments.
Officinal Preparations.
Tinctura cinnamomi composita, E. L. D. - vide Tinctures.
Confectio opiata, L. - Electuaria.
Pulvis aromaticus, L. D. - - Pulveres.
cretse compositus, L. Idem.
P.— Pistacia. 54'
PISTACIA.
Dioecia Pentandria. — Nat. ord. Amentacece.
PISTACIA TEREBINTHUS. Terebinthina Chia. L.
Chian turpentine*
The tree which yields this turpentine grows in India, the
north of Africa, and south of Europe, but the turpentine is
principally collected in the islands of Chios and Cyprus, by
wounding the tree. It does not differ in any thing material, ex-
cept its price, from the other turpentines. — See Pinus.
PISTACIA LENTISCUS. Re&ina. Ed.
Mastiche. Re&ina. L.
Mas tic h. A resin.
This species is a native of the same countries with the former.
It is obtained principally in the island of Chios, by making trans-
verse incisions in the tree, and allowing the juice to harden. It is
brought in small yellowish, semi-transparent, brittle grains; of a
smooth and shining fracture, softening when chewed, fusible,
burning with a pleasant smell, insoluble in water, and partblly
soluble in alcohol and fixed oils. Neumann found that during di-
gestion with alcohol, a portion separates insoluble in alcohol,
though in appearance resinous, amounting to about one tenth of
the mastich. This is probably the same with the substance found
in Sandarach by Mr. Giese, and called Sandaracha by Dr.
Thomson.
Its flavour is communicated to water. It is therefore a resin,
combined with a little essential oil. It is principally used by the
Turkish women as a masticatory, to preserve the teeth, and give
a pleasant smell to the breath.
548 Materia Medica.
PLUMBUM. Ed. L.—LEAD.
D. Load, Loot. P. Chumbo.
t)A. Bly, Blye. POL. Ohio.
F. Plomb. R. Swiner.
G. JB/«\ S. 77omo.
I. Piombo. SW. JB/y.
Lead is of a grey, blue, livid colour, streak grey, disagreeable
taste, and odour; specific gravity 11.352; soft; very laminable?
hardens little under the hammer; very flexible; slightly tenacious;
fusible at 612° Fahrenheit; volatile at a red heat; tarnished in
the air; slightly oxidized by air and water; by heat and air it
forms a grey, then a yellow, and lastly, a red oxide, which is vi-
trifiable. Its phosphuret and sulphuret are brittle; it forms alloys
with arsenic, bismuth, antimony, mercury, zinc, and tin; it is oxid-
ized by, and combines with, the sulphuric, nitric, muriatic, phos-
phoric, and other acids. Its oxides impart to glass a uniform
density, and strong refracting power.
Lead is found,
I. Oxidized:
' 1. Lead ochre of different colours.
II. Oxidized, and combined with acids,
2. Carbonated lead. White lead spar.
3. Murio-carbonated.
4. Phosphated lead. Green lead ore,
5. Arseniatedlead.
6. Arsenio-phosphatedlead.
7. Molybdated lead.
8. Sulphated lead.
III. Sulphuretted:
9. Sulphuretted lead. Galena.
10. Sulphuretted oxide of lead.
Lead is obtained by various processes from these ores. In its
metallic form it is scarcely an officinal article, as its different
oxides are purchased from the manufacturers, and never pre-
pared bv the apothecary.
Its effects on the body are emaciation, violent colics, paralysis,
tremors, and contractions of the limbs; and as they generally
come on gradually, the cause is sometimes overlooked till it be
too late. Poisoningfromlead is never intentional, hue only acciden-
tal, either from liquors becoming impregnated with lead, by being
improperly kept in vessels lined or glazed with lead, or to which
lead has been criminally added to correct its' acidity; or among
P.— Plumbum.— Oxidum Plumbi Album. 549
manufacturers who work much with lead, as painters and plumb-
ers, and who are not sufficiently attentive to avoid swallowing
any of it.
The presence of lead in any suspected liquor is detected by
the hydro-sulphuret of potass, which forms with it a brown pre-
cipitate, not soluble in diluted muriatic acid; and still more cer-
tainly by evaporating a portion of it to dryness, and exposing thfc
extract to a heat sufficient to reduce the lead.
OXIDUM PLUMBI ALBUM. Ed.
Cerussa. L. D.
Carbonas plumbi. Sub-acetis plumbi.
White lead.
White oxide of lead. Cerusse.
This substance, which is now said to be a carbonate of lead,
is manufactured in several countries. It is prepared by exposing
lead to the vapour of vinegar. To accelerate the oxidizement,
the lead is cast in thin plates, which are rolled up spirally. A
number of these are placed perpendicularly on a support, over a
flat vessel containing vinegar, which is converted into vapour by
a gentle heat, such as that of dung. The plates become slowly
covered with a white crust, which is in due time removed; and
the remains of the plates again exposed to the vapour of vinegar,
until they be entirely corroded.
Van Mons says, that if lead ashes be diluted in nitric acid, and
precipitated by chalk in impalpable powder, the precipitate, when
washed and dried, will be cerusse in its purest state.
White oxide of lead has a scaly or foliated texture, is brittle,
friable, heavy, of a snowy whiteness, and a sweet taste. It is of-
ten adulterated with earthy substances, which may be discovered
by mixing it with oil, and reducing the lead in a crucible. Al-
though very friable, the coarser particles cannot be separated by
means of a sieve, because its interstices soon get filled up. It can
only be obtained in the state of a fine powder, by rubbing a loaf
of cerusse on a sieve placed over a sheet of paper. It consists of
84 yellow oxide of lead, and 14 carbonic acid.
In pharmacy the white oxide of lead is used in the composition
of ointments and plasters.
Officinal Preparations.
Acetis plumbi, E. L. D.
Unguentum oxidi plumbi albi, E. vide Unguenta.
Pulv. cerussa? comp. L. Pulveres.
550 Materia Medica.
OXIDUM PLUMBI RUBRUM. Ed. Minium. L.
Red oxide of lead.
The preparation of red-lead is so troublesome and tedious, as
scarce ever to be attempted by the apothecary or chemist; nor in-
deed is this commodity expected to be made by them, the prepa-
ration of it being a distinct branch of business. The makers melt
large quantities of lead at once, upon the bottom of a reverbera-
tory furnace built for this purpose, and so contrived, that the
flame acts upon a large surface of the metal, which is continually
changed by the means of iron rakes drawn backwards and for-
wards, till the fluidity of the lead is destroyed; after which, the
oxide is only now and then turned.
The red oxide of lead is obtained in the form of a very heavy
powder, consisting of minute shining scales, of a bright scarlet,
verging towards yellow, especially if triturated. It is sometimes
adulterated with red oxide of iron, red bole, or powdered brick.
These frauds are detected by the inferiority of colour, by mixing
it with oil, and subjecting it to the test of reduction; and by its
forming* a black precipitate with tincture of galls when dissolved
in nitrous acid.
OXIDUM PLUMBI SEMIVITREUM. Ed:
LlTHARGYRUS. L. D.
Semi-vitrified oxide of lead. Litharge.
If oxidized lead be urged with a hasty fire, it melts into the
appearance of oil, and on cooling concretes into litharge. Great-
est part of the litharge met with in the shops, is produced in the
purification of silver from lead, and the refining of gold and silver
bv means of this metal. According to the degree of fire and other
circumstances, it proves of a pale or deep colour; the first has
been commonly called Litharge of Silver, the other Litharge of
Gold.
The oxides of lead dissolve by heat, in expressed oils; these
mixtures are the basis of several officinal plasters and ointments.
Lead and its oxides when undissolved, have no considerable
effects as medicines. Dissolved in oils, they are supposed to be
(when externally applied) anti-inflammatory and desiccative.
Combined with vegetable acids, they are remarkably so: and ta-
ken internally, prove powerful though dangerous styptics.
Officinal Preparations.
Aqua lythargyri acetati, L. D.
Emplast. ox. plumbi semivit. E. L. D. vide Unguenta.
Ceratum saponis, L. D. - - Idem,
p. — Plumbum. — Acetis Plumbi. 551
ACETIS PLUMBI; olim, Saccharum Saturni. Ed.
Acetite of Lead; formerly Sugar of Lead.
Cerussa Acetata. L.
Acetated Ceruse.
Acetas Plumbi. D.
Acetate of Lead.
Take of
White oxide of lead, any quantity;
Put it into a cucurbit, and pour upon it of
Distilled acetous acid ten times its weight.
Let the mixture stand upon warm sand till the acid become sweet;
when it is to be poured off, and fresh acid added until it cease
to become sweet. Then evaporate all the liquor, freed from
impurities, in a glass vessel, to the consistence of thin honey,
and set it aside in a cold place, that crystals may be formed,
which are to be dried in the shade. The remaining liquor is
again to be evaporated, that new crystals may be formed; and
the evaporation is to be repeated until no more crystals con-
crete. (E.)
The acetate of lead is seldom prepared by the apothecary, as
he can procure it at an infinitely cheaper rate from those who
manufacture it in large quantities. The preparation of it, as di-
rected by the colleges, is a case of simple solution. The process
frequently fails, from the oxide of lead employed being adulter-
ated with carbonate of lime, or some other earthy substance. The
acetic acid employed, should be as strong as can be procured;
for with a weak acid the product of pure salt is small, and the
quantity of mother-water is increased. The addition of a small
quantity of alcohol to the solution, after it has been duly evapo-
rated, is said to improve the beauty of the crystals. The mother-
water may also be made to furnish pure crystals, by adding to it
a fresh portion of acetic acid; for without that precaution it fur-
nishes only a very heavy, yellow, pulverulent, mass, in which
there seems to be an excess of oxide of lead.
The manufacture of acetate of lead is conducted more econo-
mically when the oxide is dissolved in the acid at the same time
that it is prepared; which is done by alternately exposing plates
of lead to the vapour of acetic acid, and immersing the plates,
thus covered with oxide, into the acid itself.
Acetate of lead has a sweet styptic taste. It has a white co-
lour, and crystallizes in flat parallelopipeds, terminated by a
.wedge, or more commonly in shining needles. It is soluble in
water, and in alcohol; effloresces slightly in the air, and is deconu
r
552 Materia Medica.
posed by heat and light. It is also decomposed by the alkalies,
and most of the earths and acids.
It consists of
Acid ... 26
Yellow oxide - 58
Water - - 16
100
Medical use. — The internal use of acetate of lead, has of late
been much greater than formerly, and it promises to be a most
valuable addition to our list of active remedies. It has been suc-
cessfully employed in several cases of epilepsy.# It forms a very
valuable external application in superficial and phlegmonic in-
flammations, bruises, and diseases of the skin. It is always ap-
plied in solution, either simply, as to the eyes, or by means of
cloths soaked in it, or mixed with bread-crumb. A drachm, with
five ounces of any distilled water, forms a strong solution, and
with ten ounces of water, a weak solution. If common water be
used, the addition of about a drachm of acetous acid will be ne-
cessary to keep the lead in solution.
Officinal Preparations.
Acidum acetosum forte, E. vide Acidum acetosum,
Solutio acetitis zinci, E. - Zincum.
Unguentum acet. zinci, E. L. D. Unguenta.
AQUA LITHARGYRI ACETATI. L.
Liquor Lithargyri Acetati; olim, Extractum Saturni
D.
Water of Acetate d Litharge, formerly Extract of Lead.
Take of
Litharge, two pounds and four ounces;
Distilled vinegar, one gallon.
Mix and boil to six pints, constantly stirring; then set it aside.
After the feces have subsided, strain. (L. D.)
Officinal Preparation.
Ceratum lithargyri acetati, L. D. vide Unguenta.
* Philadelphia Medical Museum, VoL I. & H.
P. — Poly gala Senega. 553
LIQUOR LITH ARGYRI ACETATI COMPOSITUS. D.
AqUA LlTHARGYRI ACETATI CoMPOSITA. L.
Compound Liquor of Acetated Litharge,
Take of
Liquor of acetated litharge, a drachm;
Distilled water, fourteen ounces;
Weaker spirit of wine, a drachm.
Mix the spirit and liquor of acetated litharge, then add the dis-
tilled water. (D.)
These preparations do not differ from solutions of the same
strength of acetate of lead, and are less proper, as their strength
is apt to vary. The vitrified oxide of lead made use of in this
instance, is less easily soluble, on account of its great force of ag-
gregation, than the white oxide; but, on the other hand, it is less
liable to be adulterated. The addition of the diluted alcohol to
the weak solution, is intended to prevent its decomposition, but
it also renders it slightly stimulant.
PODOPHYLLUM PELTATUM.
May-apple. Mandrake, £s?c.
This plant is very common throughout North America. The
fruit is esculent and by many thought delicious. The leaves are poi-
sonous. The root is an excellent purgative in doses of 20 grains.
It is most advantageously used in combination with calomel, or
crystals of tartar. The root also often operates as an anthelmin-
tic, and as such it is used by the Cherokee, and other southern
Indians.
The best time for gathering the May-apple, for medical pur-
poses, is the autumn, when the leaves have turned yellow, and are
about falling off. The Indians dry it in the shade and powder it
for use.*
POLYGALA SENEGA. Radix. Ed.
Seneka. L. D.
Seneka, cr Rattlesnake Root.
Diadelphia Octandria. — Nat. ord. Lomeniacecv.
Seneka is a perennial plant, which grows wild in North Ame-
rica, particularly in Virginia and Pennsylvania. This root is
* Barton's Collections, Part I. p. 30. 38.
4 A
554< Materia Medica.
usually about the thickness of the little finger, variously bent and
contorted, and appears as if composed of joints, whence it is sup-
posed to resemble the tail of the animal whose name it bears; a
kind of membraneous margin runs on each side, the whole length
of the root.
The bark is the active part of the root. Its taste is at first acrid,
afterwards very hot and pungent. It has no smell.
Its acrimony resides in a resin; for it is entirely extracted by
alcohol; is precipitated by water; does not rise in distillation; and
is not destroyed by keeping.
Medical use. — It is an active stimulus, and increases the force
of the circulation, especially of the pulmonary vessels. It has
therefore been found useful in typhoid inflammations of the lungs:
but it is apt to disorder the stomach, and to induce diarrhoea. Dr.
Brandreth of Liverpool has derived great benefit in some cases
of lethargy from an extract of seneka combined with carbonate
of ammonia.
Some have likewise employed this root in hydropic cases, and
not without success. There are examples of its occasioning a
plentiful evacuation by stool, urine, and perspiration; and by this
means removing the disease, after the common diuretics and hy-
dragogues had failed.
It sometimes induces salivation, and it possesses diuretic,
emetic, cathartic, expectorant and diaphoretic powers. It has be-
come greatly celebrated in the cure of cynanche trachealis, and is
used by the Indians in syphilis and malignant sore throat. The
Polygala sanguinea, a new species discovered at Savannah, has
been used as a substitute for it.^
Officinal Preparation.
Decoct, polygalse senegae, - vide Decocta.
POLYGONUM BISTORT A. Radix. Ed.
BlSTORTA. L. D.
Great bistort, or snakeweed. The root.
Willd. g. 785. sp. 3. — Octandria Trigynia. — Nat. ord. Oleracece.
This plant is perennial, and grows wild in moist meadows in
several parts of Britain. The root is about the thickness of the
little finger, of a blackish-brown colour ojithe outside, and reddish
within: it is writhed or bent vermicularly (whence the name of
the plant) with a joint at each bending, and full of bushy fibres;
(
* Barton's Collections, Medical Re ^ository, &c.
P. — Polypodium Filix Mas. 555
the root of the species here mentioned has, for the most part, only
one or two bendings; others have three or more. All the parts of
bistort have a rough austere taste, particularly the root, which is
one of the strongest of the vegetable astringents.
Medical use. — It is employed in all kinds of immoderate he-
morrhagies and other fluxes, both internally and externally, where
astringency is the only indication. It is certainly a very powerful
styptic, and is to be looked on simply as such. To the sudorific,
antipestilential, and other virtues attributed to it, it has no other
claim than in consequence of its astringency, and of the antiseptic
power which it has in common with other vegetable styptics. The
largest dose of the root in powder is one drachm.
POLYPODIUM FILIX MAS. Radix. Ed.
Filix. L. Filix Mas. D.
Male fern. Male polypody. The root.
Cryptogamia. Filices. — Nat. ord. Filices.
This fern is perennial, and grows in great abundance in almost
every part of Britain where the ground is not cultivated. The
greatest part of the root lies horizontally, and has a great number
of appendages placed close to each other in a vertical direction,
while a number of small fibres strike downwards. The large
root, together with its appendages, are to be reserved for use.
The two ends, however, are to be cut off, the one being too old
and spongy, the other too new and green.
When chewed, its taste is somewhat mucilaginous and sweet,
and afterwards slightly astringent and bitter. Its smell is also
weak.
Medical use. — This root was used as an anthelmintic In the
days of Dioscorides. It gradually became neglected; but its use
was again revived at different times by Madame Nuffer, Her-
renschwand, and others, who certainly frequently succeeded in
killing and expelling the taenia, both lata and cucurbitina, by the
exhibition of secret remedies, of which the fern-powder was, or
rather was supposed to be, the principal ingredient; for there is
much reason to believe, that the active purgatives with which it
was always combined, were really the remedies which effected
the cure.
The same, or nearly a similar, secret, has been bought by dif-
ferent potentates, and published for the benefit of those suffering
under this obstinate disease.
The internal solid part of the root only is to be powdered, and
the powder should have a reddish colour; and as the dose and
556 Materia Medica.
exhibition of the remedy must be regulated according- to the age,
sex, and constitution of the patient, it must be given always un-
der the direction of an experienced practitioner.
POPULUS TREMULA.
Aspen,
The bark of this tree is a powerful tonic, and deserves the at-
tention of the American physician. It has been used in intermit-
tents; and has been found useful as a stomachic, in the diseases
ol our horses.^
POTASSA.— POTASS.
Potass is a solid, white substance; extremely acrid to the taste,
unctuous to the feel, but highly caustic; destroying the skin, and
dissolving all soft animal substances. It is deliquescent and solu-
ble in half its weight of water at 50° Fahrenheit; it is fusible, and
may be vaporized, but is perfectly incombustible; it is capable
of crystallizing into very long quadrangular, compressed prisms,
terminated by sharp pvramids; it changes vegetable blues to green,
and combines with all the acids, oils, sulphur, sulphuretted hy-
drogen, and the earths. It is obtained from the ashes of vegeta-
bles, and exists in some minerals.
POTASSA; olim, Causticum Commune Acerrimum. Ed.
Potass; formerly, Strongest common Caustic.
Kali Purum. L.
Pure Kali.
Alkali Vegetabile Causticum. D.
Caustic Vegetable Alkali.
Pake of
The solution of potass, any quantity.
Evaporate it in a covered very clean iron vessel, till, on the ebul-
lition ceasing, the saline matter flows gently like oil, which
happens before the vessel becomes red. Then pour it out on a
smooth iron plate; let it be divided into small pieces before it
hardens, and immediately placed in a well-stopped phial. (E.}
* Barton's Collections, Part I. p. 14.
P.— Potassa. 557
The principal thing to be attended to in this operation is to
conduct the evaporation so rapidly that the ley shall not absorb
any carbonic acid from the atmosphere. As long as any water of
solution remains, the ebullition is evident, and the evaporation is
to be continued until it cease. The heat is then to be increased
a little, which renders the potass perfectly fluid, and gives it the
appearance of an oil, when it is ready to be poured out, either on
a slab, as directed by the colleges, or into iron moulds, such as
are used for the melted nitrate of silver.
The potass prepared according to these directions is sufficient-
ly pure for medical use, but is not lit for chemical experiments.
We can however obtain it perfectly white and crystallized, accord-
ing to Berthollet, by adding to the ley, when evaporated so far
that it would assume the consistence of honey if permitted to cool,
a quantity of alcohol equal to one-third of the carbonate ofnotass
operated on, mixing them together, and letting them boil a Minute
or two. The mixture is then to be poured into a glass vessel, and
corked up, when the impurities will gradually subside, partly in a
solid form, and partly dissolved in water. The super-natant alco-
holic solution is then to be evaporated rapidly, till its surface be-
come covered with a black crust, which is to be removed, and the
liquid below is to be poured into a porcelain vessel, when it
will concrete into a white substance, which is to be broken in
pieces, and immediately excluded from the action of the air.
A less expensive way of obtaining potass perfectly pure is that
of Lowitz. Evaporate a solution of potass till a thick pellicle
form on its surface; allow it to cool; separate all the crystals
formed, as they consist of foreign salts: renew the evaporation in
an iron or silver bason; and remove the pellicles which form on
the surface with an iron skimmer, as long as any appear. When
the ebullition ceases, remove the vessel from the fire, and agitate
the fused salt with an iron spatula while it cools. Dissolve the sa-
line mass in twice its weight of water, and evaporate in a silver
bason till it begins to crystallize. The crystals are pure potass.
The fluid which swims over them has a dark-brown colour, and
must be poured off; but if kept in a close-stopped phial, it will
deposit its colouring matter, and by evaporation will furnish
more crystals of potass.
Medical use. — Potass is only used as a caustic, or to form so-
lutions of a known strength; and even its use as a caustic is in-
convenient, from its being so quickly affected by the air, and from
its rapid deliquescence, which renders it apt to spread.
Officinal Preparations.
Alkali vegetabile sulphuratum, D.
Alcohol, L. D vide Akohoi.
wither sulphuricum, E. L. D. - - Mem.
558 Materia Medtca.
CARBONAS POTASSA IMPURUS. Ed.
ClNERES CLAVELLATI. L* D.
Pearl ashes. Potashes. Impure carbonate of potass.
D.
Pot as.
P.
Potassa.
DA.
Pottaske.
POL,
Potasz.
F.
Potasse.
R.
Potasch.
G.
Pottasche.
S.
Potassa.
I.
Potassa.
sw.
Potaska.
The potashes of commerce are sent to Britain from the shores
of the Baltic and from America. They are prepared by lixiviating
the ashes of vegetables in barrels, first with cold and then with
hot water, filtering the ley, and evaporating it to dryness in an iron
pot. In this state they still contain some vegetable matter, not per-
fectly incinerated, which gives them a brown or black colour.
To destroy this, and render their colour purer, they are again
burnt in a reverberatory furnace. They now get the name of pearl
ashes; but even yet they are very impure, and often contain the
sulphates of potass and of lime, and the muriate of potass. They
are also frequently adulterated with vegetable ashes, sand, and
sulphate of potass. The ashes are detected by their difficult and
imperfect solution; the sand, by the precipitation of silica in a
gelatinous form by the addition of an acid, and the sulphate of
potass by its crystallization. All vegetables which grow at a dis-
tance from the sea afford potashes by incineration; herbs give the
largest proportion, then the leaves of trees, then shrubs, and
woods the least. It formerly had the name of Fixed Vegetable
Alkali, but it is also found, though much more sparingly, both in
the animal and mineral kingdoms.
Vauquelin has given a table of the quantity of pure potass, and
of heterogeneous matters, contained in 1 152 parts of the different
potashes of commerce.
Potass.
Russian potashes, 772
American do. 857
Pearl ashes, 754
Potashes of Treves, 720
Dantzick ashes, 603
Potashes of Vosges, 444
The potass was estimated by the quantity of diluted nitrous
acid saturated by it; the sulphate of potas^ by the precipitate
Sulphate
of potass.
65
Muriate
of potass.
5
Insoluble
residuum.
56
Carb. acid
and water.
254
154
20
2
119
80
4
6
308
165
44
24
199
152
. 14
79
304
148
510
34
304
P. — Potassa. — Carbonas Potassae. 559
formed with nitrate of baryta; and the muriate of potass by that
formed with nitrate of silver.
All these different potashes, except the last, may be purified
sufficiently for pharmaceutical purposes, by lixiviating them with
a small proportion of cold water, and evaporating the ley to dry-
ness in an iron pot.
Medical use. — Carbonate of potass is used in form of lotion, in
rachitic and some cutaneous diseases, and as a stimulant to the
inactive state of the vessels in certain ulcers. It is used internally
as a diaphoretic or diuretic, and of late in calculous complaints
and diseases of the alimentary canal; but its continued use sel^
dom fails to injure the constitution, or the intestinal canal.
Officinal Preparations.
Carbonas potassse, E. L. D.
Alcohol ammoniatum, £. L. D. - vide Alcohol.
Spiritus ammoniae fcetidus, - - Spiritus destillati.
CARBONAS POTASSAE. Ed.
Carbonate of Potass.
Kali Priparatum. L.
Prepared Kali.
Alkali Vegetabile Mite. D.
Mild Vegetable Alkali.
Let impure carbonate of potass, called in English pearl ashes, be
put into a crucible, and brought to a low red heat, that the oily
impurities, if there be any, may be burnt out: then triturate it
with an equal weight of water, and mix them thoroughly by
agitation. After the feces have subsided, pour the liquor into
a very clean iron pot, and boil to dryness, stirring the salt to-
wards the end of the process, to prevent its sticking. (E.)
560 Materia Medica.
CARBONAS POTASS.E PURISSIMUS; olim, Sal
Tartari. Ed.
Pure Carbonate of Potass; formerly Salt of Tartar*
Take of
Impure super-tartrate of potass, any quantity.
Wrap it up in moist bibulous paper, or put it into a crucible, and
burn it to a black mass, by placing it among live coals. Hav-
ing reduced this mass to powder, expose it in an open crucible
to the action of a moderate fire, till it become white, or at least
of an ash-grey colour, taking care that it do not melt. Then
dissolve it in warm water; strain the liquor through a linen
cloth and evaporate it in a clean iron vessel, diligently stirring
it towards the end of the process with an iron spatula, to pre-
vent it from sticking to the bottom of the vessel. A very
white salt will remain, which is to be left a little longer on the
fire, till the bottom of the vessel becomes almost red. Lastly,
when the salt is grown cold, keep it in glass vessels well stop-
ped. (E.)
The potash of commerce we have already shown to contain a
considerable proportion of foreign salts. By the process directed
by the colleges, it is purified from those which are crystallizable;
and although it still contains muriate of potass and silica, it is
sufficiently pure for the purposes of medicine.
The purest carbonate of potass in common use is that obtained
by incinerating the impure super-tartrate of potass, as all the sub-
stances it contains, except the potass, are decomposed by the heat.
The tartaric acid and colouring matter are destroyed, and part of
the carbonic acid, which is formed, unites with the potass.
But this salt, in whatever way obtained, is not strictly intitled
to the appellation of carbonate; for it is not saturated with the
acid, or rather it is a mixture of carbonate of potass and potass,
in variable proportions. It is owing to the uncombined potass that
it is still deliquescent, and in some degree caustic. It may be
easily saturated, however, with carbonic acid, by exposing it in so-
lution to the contact of the air for a considerable time, or by
making a stream of carbonic acid gas pass through a solution of
it, or by distilling it with carbonate of ammonia. M. Curadau
has proposed a cheaper mode of saturating potass with carbonic
acid. He dissolves the potass in a sufficient quantity of boiling
water, mixes it with as much dried tanner's bark as to make it
pretty dry, and then exposes the mixture in a covered crucible to
the heat of a reverberatory furnace for half an hour. By lixiviation
and crystallization, the mixture affords beautiful crystals of car-'
P. — Potassa. — Aqua Potassae. 56i
bonate of potass. In this state it is crystallizable, and its crystals
are permanent. It consists of about 43 acid, 40 potass, and 17
water. The saturation with carbonic acid is one of the best means
of purifying it; for it always separates silica from the uncombined
alkali.
Medical use. — Carbonate of potass is frequently employed in
medicine, in conjunction with other articles, particularly for the
formation of saline neutral draughts and mixtures; but it is used
also by itself in doses from three or four grains to fifteen or twen-
ty; and it frequently operates as a powerful diuretic, particularly
when aided by proper dilution.
Officinal Preparations.
Aqua potassae, E. L. D.
Aqua super-carbonatis potassae, E. D. -
Acetis potassae, E. L. D.
Sulphas potassae, E.
Sulphuretum potassae, E. L.
Tartris potass*, E. L. D.
Sulphur stibiatum fuscum, D. vide Antimoniiun .
Calx stibii praecipitatum, D. Idem.
Alcohol, L. D. - - - - Alcohol.
AQUA POTASS^; vulgo, Lixivium Causticum. Ed.
Water of Potass, commonly called Caustic Ley.
Aqua Kali Puri. L. Lixivium Causticum. D. *
Water of Pure Kali. Caustic Ley,
Take of
Newly-prepared lime, eight ounces;
Carbonate of potass, six ounces.
Put the lime into an iron or earthen vessel, with twenty-eight
ounces of warm water. After the ebullition is finished, instant-
ly add the salt; and having thoroughly mixed them, cover the
vessel till they cool. When the mixture has cooled agitate it
well, and pour it into a glass funnel, whose throat must be ob-
structed with a piece of clean linen. Cover the upper orrifice
of the funnel, and insert its tube into another glass vessel, so
that the water of potass may gradually drop through the rag
into the lower vessel. As soon as it ceases to drop, pour into
the funnel some ounces of water; but cautiously, so that it may
swim above the matter. The water of potass will again begin
to drop, and the affusion of water is to be repeated in the same
4 B
562 Materia Medica.
manner, until three pounds have dropped, which will happen
in the space of two or three days; then mix the superior and
inferior parts of the liquor together by agitation, and keep it in
a well-stopped phial. (E.)
This process is founded upon the affinity of lime being stron gr
er than that of potass for carbonic acid. Of course, when lime
comes in contact with carbonate of potass, the carbonic acid
quits the potass to unite with the lime, and the results of the
mixture are potass and carbonate of lime. Now as the carbonate
of lime is insoluble in water, and the potass is very soluble, they
may be separated by nitration. In doing this, however, we must
take care to employ instruments on which the solution of potass
does not act, and to prevent the free access of air, from which it
would attract carbonic acid, and thus frustrate the whole opera-
tion. The latter object is attained by covering the upper or broad
end of the funnel with a plate of glass, and inserting the lower
end in the neck of the phial, which it fits pretty closely. The
former object is attended with greater difficulties, and indeed
scarcely to be effected, so powerful and general is the agency of
potass. All animal substances are immediately attacked and de-
stroyed by it; therefore, our filters cannot be made of silk, wool-
len, or paper which contains glue; and although neither vegeta-
ble matters nor silica entirely escape its action, linen and sand
are, on the whole, the least objectionable. A filter of sand was
used by Dr. Black. He first dropped a rugged pebble into the
tube of the funnel, in some part of which it formed itself a firm
bed, while the inequalities on its surface afforded interstices of
sufficient size for the passage of the filtering liquor. On the upper
surface of this stone he put a thin layer of lint or clean tow; im-
mediately above this, but not in contact with it, he dropped a
stone similar to the former, and of a size proportioned to the
swell in the upper part of the tube of the funnel. The interstices
between this second stone and the funnel were filled up with
stones of a less dimension, and the gradation uniformly continued
till pretty small sand was employed. Finally, this was covered
with a layer of coarser sand, and small stones, to sustain the
weight of the matter. A filter of sand being thus constructed in
the funnel, it was washed perfectly clean by making clean water
pass through it, till it dropped from the lower extremity of the
funnel perfectly clear and transparent; and before using it, it
should be allowed to stand for some days, that no water may re-
main among the interstices of the sand.
From the spongy nature of the residuum which remains upon
the filter, and epecially if we use that of sand, a considerable
quantity of the solution of potass will be retained. It is, however,
easily obtained, by pouring gently over it, so as to disturb it as
!
P. — Potassa. — Aqua Potassas. 563
little as possible, a quantity of water; the ley immediately begins
again to drop from the funnel, and as, from the difference of their
specific gravity, the water does not mix with it, but swims above
it, the whole ley passes through before any of the water. By
means of the taste, we easily learn when the whole ley has passed.
As it is natural to suppose that the strongest solution will pass
first, and the weakest last, we are directed to agitate the whole
together, to render their strength uniform.
If the solution of potass be pure, it will be colourless, and it
will neither effervesce with acids, nor form a precipitate with
carbonate of potass. If it effervesces, carbonic acid is present,
and must be separated by again boiling the solution with a little
lime, or by dropping into it lime-water, as long as it produces any
precipitate. If, on the contrary, it contain lime, from too much
of it having been employed in the preparation, it may be separated
by dropping into the ley a solution of the carbonate of potass.
When we have thus purified our solution of potass, it must be
again filtered.
Medical use. — The solution of caustic potass, under various
names, has at different times been celebrated as a lithontriptic,
and as often fallen again into disuse. The very contradictory ac-
counts of its effects as a solvent are now in some degree expli-
cable, since it has been discovered that urinary calculi are very
different in their natures, so that some of them are only soluble in
acids, and others only in alkalies. Of the last description are the
calculi of uric acid,* which are very frequent, and those of urate
* Urea is obtained in the form of brilliant micaceous crystals, in groups, form-
ing a mass of a yellowish white colour, adhering to the vessel containing it;
difficult to cut or break; hard and granulated in its centre; gradually becoming
soft, and of the consistence of honey on its surface; of a strong disgusting, alli-
aceous odour; of an acrid, pungent, disagreeable taste. It is deliquescent; its
solution causes a sensible diminution of temperature; it is also soluble in alco-
hol, especially when assisted by heat. On cooling, the alcoholic solution depo*
sits crystals of pure urea. By the application of heat it melts, swells rapidly,
and at the same time begins to be decomposed; emitting an insupportably fetid
odour, and is converted into carbonate of ammonia, and carburetted hydrogen
gas. Urea is charred by concentrated sulphuric acid; diluted sulphuric acid
aided by heat, is capable of converting it entirely into aretous acid and ammo-
nia; concentrated nitrous acid decomposes it with rapidity; diluted nitric acid
aided by heat, changes it almost entirely into carbonic acid gas and nitrogen
gas; muriatic acid dissolves and preserves it; oxy-muriatie acid converts it into
ammonia and carbonic acid; potass aided by heat, converts it into the carbo-
nate and acetate of ammonia It influences the form of the crystallization of the
muriates of ammonia and soda The solution of urea in water varies in colour
from a deep brown to pale yellow, according to its quantity. With eight parts
of water it is perfectly fluid; it scarcely undergoes spontaneous decomposition
when pure, but the addition of some albumen occasions it to putrefy rapidly.
By repeated distillation it is completely converted into carbonate of ammonia.
With nitric acid it forms a pearly crystalline precipitate; it also forms precipi-
tates with the nitrates of had, mercury, and silver. It is not precipitated
564 Materia Medica.
of ammonia. On these, therefore, alkalies may be supposed to
make some impression; and that alkalies, or alkaline carbonates,
taken by the mouth, have occasionally relieved calculous com-
plaints, is certain. It is. however, said that their continued use
debilitates the stomach; and M. Fourcroyhas proposed applying
the remedy immediately to the disease, by injecting into the blad-
der a tepid solution of potass or soda, so dilute that it can be held
in the mouth. Before the alkaline solution be injected, the blad-
der is to be completely evacuated of urine, and washed out with
an injection of the tepid water. After the alkaline injection has
remained in the bladder half an hour or more it is to be evacua-
ted, and allowed to settle. If on the addition of a little muriatic
acid, a precipitate be formed, we shall have reason to conclude
that the calculus contains uric acid, and that the alkali has acted
on it.
Very dilute alkaline solutions may also be taken into the sto-
much as antacids, but we possess others which are preferable.
Externally, alkaline solutions have been more frequently used,
either very dilute, simply as a stimulus, in rickets, gouty swell-
ings, gonorrhoea, and spasmodic diseases, or concentrated as a
caustic to destroy the poison of the viper, and of rabid animals.
POTASSA CUM CALCE; olim, Causticum Commune
Mitius. Ed.
Potass with Lime, formerly Milder common Caustic.
Calx cum Kali Puro. L. Causticum Mitius. D.
Lime with pure Kali. Milder Caustic.
Take of
Solution of potass, any quantity.
Evaporate in a covered iron vessel till one third remains; then
mix with it as much new-slaked lime as will bring it to the
by tannin or gallic acid. Urea is only obtained from urine by evaporating the
solution of a thick extract of urine and alcohol.
Uric acid is obtained in the form of acicular brilliant crystals, of a pale yellow
colour, almost insoluble in cold, and very sparingly soluble in boiling- water, but
becoming very soluble when combined with an excess of potass or soda. It is
decomposed at a high temperature, and furnishes carbonate of ammonia, and
carbonic acid, with very little oil or water, and leaves a charcoal which con-
tains neither lime nor alkali. It is also decomposed'by the nitric and oxygenized
muriatic acids.
The urates are almost insoluble in water. The sub-muriates of soda and
potass are very soluble, and the uric acid is precipitated from their solutions
even by the carbonic acid.
P. — Potassa. — Lixivium Mite. 565
consistence of pretty solid pap, which is to be kept in a vessel
closely stopped. (E.)
The addition of the lime in this preparation renders it less apt
to deliquesce, more easily managed, and milder in its operation.
Calx cum Kali Puro. Lond.
Lime with Pure Kali*.
Take of
Quicklime, five pounds and four ounces;
Water of pure kali, sixteen pounds.
Boil away the water of pure kali to a fourth part; then sprinkle
in the lime reduced to powder by the affusion of water. Keep
it in a vessel closely stopped.
Kali Causticum cum Calce.
Caustic Kali with Lime.
Evaporate caustic ley to one third, then add powdered burnt lime
till it form a sufficiently thick mass, which is to be kept in well-
closed vessels.
AQUA KALI PR^PARATI. L.
Water of Prepared Kali.
Take of
Prepared Kali, one pound.
Set it in a moist place till it deliquesce, and then strain it. (L.J
LIXIVIUM MITE. D.
Mild Ley.
Take of
Mild vegetable alkali, one pound.
Dissolve it in one pound of water. (D.)
The last of these preparations is a solution of the mixed or sub-
carbonate of potass, in a fixed proportion of water; and the former
is a solution of carbonate of potass, in a variable quantity of water.
The Dublin solution contains the silica, and all the other impuri-
566 Materia Medica.
ties of the carbonate employed, while, according to the London
process, the uncombined portion of the potass, at the same time
that it deliquesces, becomes saturated with carbonic acid, and de-
posits the silica. It would, therefore, be a very considerable im-
provement of this preparation, to dissolve crystallized carbonate
of potass in a determinate proportion of water.
Officinal Preparation.
Calx hydrargyri alba, L. - - vide Hydrargyrum*
AQUASUPER-CARBONATISPOTASSiE. Ed.
Solution of Super-carbonate of Potass,
Liojjor Alkali Vegetabilis Mitissimi. D.
Solution of Mildest Vegetable Alkali,
Take of
Water, ten pounds ;
Pure carbonate of potass, one ounce.
Dissolve and expose the solution to a stream of carbonic acid,,
arising from
Carbonate of lime in powder,
Sulphuric acid, each three ounces;
Water, three pounds, gradually and cautiously mixed. (E.)
The chemical apparatus invented by Dr. Nooth is well adapted
for this preparation. But if a larger quantity of the liquor be re-
quired, the apparatus of Dr. Woulfe is preferable.
As soon as the preparation is finished, the liquor should be
drawn off into pint bottles, which are to be well corked, and kept
in a cool situation, with the head down, or laid on one side. It
should be perfectly transparent, and have an acidulous, not at all
akaline taste; and when poured out of the bottles, it should have
a sparkling appearance.
Medical use, — In this solution, carbonate of potass is combined
with excess of carbonic acid, by which means it is better adapted
for internal use, as it is rendered not only more pleasant to the
taste, but is less apt to offend the stomach. Indeed it is the only
form in which we can exhibit potass in sufficient doses, and for a
sufficient length of time, to derive much benefit from its use in
calculous complaints. It has certainly .been frequently of advan-
tage in these affections, but probably only in those instances in
which the stone consists of uric acid, or urate of ammonia: for
although supersaturated with carbonic acid, yet the affinity of
that acid for potass is so weak, that it really operates as an alkali.
P. — Potassa. — Acetis Potassae. 567
Six or eight ounces may be taken two or three times a-day. It
in general proves powerfully diuretic, and sometimes produce*
inebriation. This last effect is ascribed to the carbonic acid.
ACETIS POTASSiE. Ed.
Acetite of Potass.
Acetas Kali.
Acetate of Kali.
Alkali Vegetabile Acetatum; olim, Sal Diureticus. D.
Acetated Vegetable Alkali, formerly Diuretic Salt.
Kali Acetatum. L.
Acetated Kali.
Take of
Pure carbonate of potass, one pound.
Boil it with a very gentle heat, in four or five times its weight of
distilled acetous acid, and add more acid at different times, till,
on the watery part of the preceding quantity being nearly dis-
sipated by evaporation, the new addition of acid ceases to raise
any effervescence, which will happen, when about twenty
pounds of acid have been consumed. It is then to be slowly
dried. The impure salt remaining, is to be melted with a gen-
tle heat, for a short time; and afterwards dissolved in water,
and filtered through caper. If the liquefaction has been proper-
ly performed, the filtered liquor will be limpid; but if otherwise,
of a brown colour. Afterwards evaporate this liquor with a
very gentle heat in a very shallow glass vessel, occasionally
stirring the salt as it becomes dry, that its moisture may be
sooner dissipated. Lastly, the acetite of potass ought to be
kept in a vessel very closely stopped, to prevent it from deli-
quescing. (E.)
This is both a troublesome and expensive preparation, for when
attempted to be made by simply evaporating to dryness, the salt
has always a dark, unpleasant colour, which can neither be remov-
ed by repeated solution and crystallization, nor even by solution
in alcohol. It is doubtful to what the colour is owing. It has been
ascribed by some to part of the acetic acid being decomposed by
heat during the exsiccation of the salt: they accordingly recom-
mend the evaporation to be conducted very gently, and the pelli-
cles to be skimmed from the surface of the liquor as fast as they
are formed; and in this way, they say, they have procured at once
a very white salt. Others ascribe it to some foreign matter which
568 Materia Medica.
rises in distillation with the last portions of the acetous acid, and
therefore direct, that only the first portions which come over
should be used, or that the acetous acid should be distilled with
charcoal: white others again ascribe it to accidental impurities
contracted during the operation, and recommend the utmost at-
tention to cleanliness, and the use of earthen vessels. To whatever
cause it may be owing, and the second appears to us the most
probable, the colour is most effectually destroyed by fusing the
salt. The heat necessary to do this, decomposes the colouring
matter; and on dissolving the fused mass in water, and filtering
the solution, we find a fine light charcoal on the filter. But this
fusion is attended with considerable loss, for part of the acetic
acid itself is decomposed.
The operator must be particularly careful, in melting it, not to
use a greater heat, nor to keep it longer liquefied, than what is
absolutely necessary: a little should be occasionally taken out, and
put into water; and as soon as it begins to part freely with its
black colour, the whole is to be removed from the fire.
The exsiccation of the solution of the salt, after it has been
fused, must be conducted very carefully, as it is exceedingly apt
to be decomposed, which would render a new solution and exsic-
cation necessary. The test of its purity, by dissolving it in alco-
hol, as directed by the London college, is to discover if any of the
acetous acid itself has been decomposed in the operation; for the
carbonate of potass, which is in that case formed, is insoluble in
alcohol.
To spare trouble and expense, attempts have been made to
prepare acetate of potass, with undistilled vinegar, and even with
the residuum of the distillation of acetic acid: and they have been
to a certain degree successful; but as repeated fusion and crystal-
lization are necessary to bring the salt to a sufficient degree of
purity, it does not appear that they were more economical. But
if to acetate of potass prepared with impure vinegar, we add a
sufficient quantity of sulphuric acid, by distillation we obtain an
acetic acid of great strength, which forms a beautiful acetate of
potass without fusion. Lastly, this salt may be prepared by the
decomposition of acetates; for example, of the acetate of lime by
tartrate of potass.
Acetate of potass has a sharp, somewhat pungent taste. It is
soluble at 60°, in about its own weight of water. It is also soluble
in alcohol. It is deliquescent. It is decomposed by the stronger
acids; by a decoction of tamarinds; by the sulphate of soda and
magnesia; by muriate of ammonia; by the tartrate of soda and
potass; and by some metalline salts. Its acid is destroyed by a
high temperature. m
Medical use. — Acetate of potass, which w^ay soever prepared,
provided it be properly made, is a medicine of great efficacy, and
P. — Potassa. — Sulphas Potassa?. 569
may be so dosed and managed as to prove either mildly cathartic
or powerfully diuretic; few of the saline deobstruents equal it in
virtue. The dose is from half a scruple to a drachm or two. A
simple solution, however, of alkaline salt in vinegar, without ex-
siccation, is perhaps not inferior as a medicine to the more ex-
pensive salt. Two drachms of the alkali, saturated with vinegar,
have been known to occasion, in hydropic cases, ten or twelve
stools, and a plentiful discharge of urine, without any inconve-
nience.
Officinal Preparations.
Tinctura ferri acetati, D. vide Tinctures.
Acetis hydrargyri, E. L. D. - - Hydrargyrum.
SULPHAS POTASSjE; olim,TARTARUM Vitriolatum. Ed.
Sulphate of Potass, formerly Vitriolated Tartar,
Kali Vitriolatum. L.
Vitriolated Kali.
Alkali Vegetabile Vitriolatum. D.
Vitriolated Vegetable Alkali.
Take of
Sulphuric acid, diluted with six times its weight of water, any
quantity.
Put it into a capacious glass-vessel, and gradually drop into it ol
pure carbonate of potass, dissolved in six times its weight^of
water, as much as is sufficient thoroughly to neutralize the
acid. The effervescence being finished, strain the liquor through
paper; and after evaporation, set it aside to crystallize.
Sulphate of potass may be also conveniently prepared from the
residuum of the distillation of nitrous acid, by dissolving it in
warm water, and saturating it with carbonate of potass. (E.)
This salt is very seldom prepared on purpose, as it may be ob-
tained from the residuum of many other preparations, by simple
solution and crystallization. For so strong is the affinity between
sulphuric acid and potass, that they scarcely ever meet without
combining to form this salt. All the sulphates, except that of ba-
ryta are decomposed by potass and most of its combinations; and
reciprocally, all the compounds of potass are decomposed by sul-
phuric acid and most of its combinations; and in all these decom-
positions, sulphate of potass is one of the products.
The greatest part of the sulphate of potass of commerce is ob-
tained from the residuum of the distillation of sulnhate of iron with
4C
570 Materia Medica.
nitrate of potass, by lixiviating it, supersaturating the solution with
carbonate of potass, filtering it boiling hot, and allowing it to crys-
tallize. The liquor remaining after the precipitation of magnesia,
is also a solution of sulphate of potass. It is also got in consider-
able quantities from the residuum remaining in the retort, after
the distillation of nitrous acid; and all the colleges have given
directions for obtaining it in this way. This residuum generally
contains an excess of acid, which converts part of the sulphate
into super-sulphate of potass. The Dublin college allow this
part to be lost. The London drive off the excess of acid by in-
tense heat, and thus get the whole of the sulphate; but at the
same time convert it into a very difficultly soluble mass. While
the Edinburgh college, more scientifically economical than
either, derive advantage from the excess of acid, by simply satu-
rating it with carbonate of potass.
As the residuum of the distillation of nitrous acid may not al-
ways be at hand, the Edinburgh college also give a receipt for
making this salt, by directly combining its constituents. It would
have been more economical to have used a solution of sulphate of
iron, in place of sulphuric acid, by which means not only an equal-
ly pure sulphate of potass would have been procured at less ex-
pense, but also a very pure carbonate of iron.
Sulphate of potass forms small transparent very hard crystals,
generally aggregated in crusts and permanent in the air. It has
a bitter taste, is slowly soluble in water, requiring 16 parts at 60°,
and four at 212°. It is not soluble in alcohol. It decrepitates when
thrown on live coals, and melts in a red heat. It consists of 45.2
acid, and 54.8 potass. It is decomposed by the barytic salts; by
the nitrates and muriates of lime and of strontia; by thetartrites
partially; and by the salts of mercury, silver and lead.
Medical use, — Sulphate of potass, in small doses, as a scruple or
half a drachm, is an useful aperient; in larger ones, as four or
five drachms, a mild cathartic, which does not pass off so hastily
as the sulphate of soda, and seems to extend its action further.
Officinal Preparations.
Pulvis ipecacuanhas et opii, E. L. D. - vide Puheres,
scammonii compositus, L. Idem*
SULPHAS POTASSiE CUM SULPHURE; olim, Sal Po-
LYCHRESTUS. Ed,
Sulphate of Potass with Sulphur, formerly Sal Poly chr est.
Take
Nitrate of potass in powder,
Sublimed sulphur, of each equal parts. (
P. — Potassa. — Sulphuretum Potassas. 571
Mingle them well together, and inject the mixture, by little and
little at a time, into a red-hot crucible: the deflagration being
over, let the salt cool, after which it is to be put up in a glass
vessel well stopped. (E.)
In this process the nitric acid of the nitrate of potass is decom-
posed by the sulphur, which is in part acidified. But the quantity
of oxvgen contained in the nitric acid, is not always sufficient to
acidify the whole sulphur employed; therefore part of it remains
in the state of sulphureous acid, which is probably chemically com-
bined with part of the potass in the state of sulphite, for the whole
saline mass formed, is more soluble in water than sulphate of pot-
ass. It is crystallizable, and by exposure to the air, gradually at-
tracts oxygen, and is converted into sulphate of potass. In some
experiments which Dr. Duncan made to determine the state in
which the sulphur existed in this salt carefully prepared, it seemed
to be sulphuric acid; for it neither gave out a sulphureous smell
on the addition of sulphuric acid, nor was a solution of it preci-
pitated by acids. In its medical effects and exhibition, it agrees
with sulphate of potass.
Officinal Preparation.
Pilula aloes cum colocvnthide, E. - vide Piluicv.
SULPHURETUM POTASS/E; olim, Hepar Sulphuric
Ed.
Sulphur et of Potass, formerly Liver of Sulphur.
Kali Sulphuratum. L.
Sulphuretted Kali.
Alkali Vegetabile Sulphuratum. D.
Sulphuretted Vegetable Alkali.
Take of
Caustic vegetable alkali in powder,
Sublimed sulphur, each two ounces.
To the sulphur, melted by a gentle heat, add the alkali; covering
the vessel, if the mixture shall take fire, (D.)
Keep the sulphuret in well-closed phials.
There exists a very strong affinity between sulphur and potass,
but they must be united in a state of perfect dryness; because, if
any moisture be present, it is decomposed, and alters the nature
of the product. If potass be employed as directed by the Dublin
college, it will unite with the sulphur by simple trituration, and
will render one third of its weight of sulphur soluble in water. If
>72 Materia Medica.
carbonate of potass be used as directed by the other colleges, it is
necessary to bring the sulphur into a state of fusion; it then acts
upon the carbonate, and expels the carbonic acid. It is evident?
that to combine with the same quantity of sulphur, a larger pro-
portion of carbonate of potass than of potass is necessary; but the
quantity ordered by the London college is certainly much too
large. Gottling directs only one part of carbonate of potass to two
of sulphur; and to save the crucible, he directs the mixture, as
soon as it melts, to be poured into a heated mould, anointed with
oil. The colleges also differ in the mode of conducting the
process. The London and Dublin colleges direct the alkaline salt
to be projected upon the melted sulphur. The fault of this pro-
cess is, that there is a considerable loss of sulphur by sublimation,
which is avoided, if the substances be previously intimately mix-
ed, and brought into fusion by a very gradual and cautious appli-
cation of heat, according to the process of the Edinburgh college;
but, if the fusion be not very cautiously performed, the sudden
extrication of so large a quantity of carbonic acid gas, is apt to
throw the melted matter out of the crucible, and may be attended
with unpleasant consequences. La Grange projects one part of
sulphur, on one and a half of potass in fusion, and keeps the com-
pound melted half an hour before he pours it out. If the heat be
too great, and the crucible uncovered, the sulphureous vapour is
apt to inflame, but it is easily extinguished by covering it up.
For the preparation of precipitatedsulphur^ Hermbstaedtproposes
to obtain the sulphuret of potass, by heating together in a crucible
four parts of sulphate of potass with one of charcoal powder.
The charcoal is converted into carbonic acid gas, and the sulphate
into sulphuret.
Sulphuret of potass, properly prepared, is of a liver-brown co-
lour, hard, brittle, and has a vitreous fracture. It has an acrid
bitter taste, and the smell of sulphur. It is exceedingly prone to
decomposition. It is deliquescent in the air, and is decomposed.
It is very fusible, but a strong heat separates the sulphur by subli-
mation. The moment it comes in contact with water, there is a
mutual decomposition. Part of the sulphur becomes acidified,
deriving oxvgen from the water, and forms sulphate of potass.
Part of the hydrogen of the water decomposed, combines with
another portion of the sulphur, and escapes in the form of sulphu-
retted hydrogen gas: another portion of the hydrogen combines-
with a third portion of the sulphur, and remains in solution, unit-
ed with the alkali, in the state of hydroguretted sulphuret of pot-
ass. By acids, sulphuret of potass is immediately decomposed;
the acid forms a neutral salt with the potass, and the sulphur is
separated.
Officinal Preparation. f
Sulphur pnecipitatum, L. D. - - vide Sulphur-
P. — Potassae.— Tartris Potassse. 573
LIQUOR SULPHURETI KALI. Dub.
Sulphuret of Kali.
Take of
Sublimed sulphur, half an ounce;
Liquor of caustic kali, nine ounces, by measure.
Boil for ten minutes, and strain through paper. Keep the liquor
in phials well corked.
The specific gravity of this liquor is 1120.
The Dublin college- have substituted for the sulphuret of pot-
ass, a preparation which is exactly similar to a solution of it in
water. When sulphur is boiled in a solution of caustic alkali,
a portion of the water is decomposed; the oxygen forms, with
some of the sulphur and potass, sulphate of potass, and the hy-
dro gen with the remainder hydro-sulphuret of potass. The for-
mer being difficultly soluble; is precipitated and separated by fil-
tration. The solution must be well preserved from the action of
the air, which gradually decomposes it, forming sulphate of
potass.
Medical use. — Hydro-sulphuret of potass is an exceedingly
nauseous remedy; but it is used internally as an antidote to
metallic poisons, to check excessive salivations from mercury,
and in cutaneous affections. Externally, it is used with success
against tinea capitis, and in psora.
TARTRIS POTASS^; olim, Tartarum Solubile. Ed.'
Tartrite of Potass, formerly Soluble Tartar.
Alkali Vegetabile Tartarisatum. D.
Tartarised Vegetable Alkali.
Kali Tartarisatum. L.
Tartarised Kali.
Take of
Carbonate of potass, one pound;
Supcr-tartrite of potass, three pounds, or as much as may be
sufficient;
Boiling water, fifteen pounds.
To the carbonate of potass dissolved in the water, gradually add
the super-tartrite of potass in fine powder, as long as it raises
any effervescence, which generally ceases before three times
the weight of the carbonate of potass has been added; then
strain the cookd liquor through paper, and after due evapora-
tion set it aside to crystallize. (E.)
574 Materia Medica.
The tartaric acid is capable of uniting with potass in two pro-
portions, forming in the one instance a neutral, and in the other
an acidulous salt. The latter is an abundant production of nature,
but it is easily converted into the former, by saturating it with
potass, or by depriving it of its excess of acid. It is by the for-
mer method that the colleges direct tartrate of potass to be pre-
pared, and the process is so simple, that it requires little comment.
For the sake of economy, we should come as near the point of
saturation as possible; but any slight deviation from it will not be
attended with much inconvenience. Indeed, it is perhaps advi-
sable to leave a slight excess of acid, which, forming a small
quantity of very insoluble salt, leaves the remainder perfectly
neutral. The evaporation must be conducted in an earthen vessel,
for iron discolours the salt. It is easily crystallized, and the
crystals become moist in the air. It has an unpleasant bitter taste.
It is soluble in four parts of cold water, and still more soluble in
boiling water, and it is also soluble in alcohol. It is totally or
partially decomposed by all acids. On this account it is improper
to join it with tamarinds, or other acid fruits; which is too often
done in the extemporaneous practice of those physicians who are
fond of mixing different cathartics together, and know little of
chemistry. It is also totally decomposed by lime, baryta, strontia,
and magnesia, and partially by the sulphates of potass, soda, and
magnesia, and by the muriate of ammonia.
Medical use, — In doses of a scruple, half a drachm, or a drachm,
this salt is a mild cooling aperient: two or three drachms common-
ly loosen the belly; and an ounce proves pretty strongly purga-
tive. It has been particularly recommended as a purgative for
maniacal and melancholic patients. It is an useful addition to the
purgatives of the resinous kind, as it promotes their operation,
and at the same time tends to correct their griping quality.
POTENTILLA REPTANS. Pentaphyllum. Radix. L.
Common CinquefoiU
Willd. g. 1000. sp. 34. — Icosandria Polygamia — Nat. ord. Sen-
ticoscc.
This plant is perennial, and grows plentifully in hedges, and by
road sides. The root is moderately astringent, and as such is
sometimes given internally in diarrhoeas and other fluxes, and
emploved in gargarisms for strengthening the gums, &x. The cor-
tical part of the root may be taken, in substance, to the quantity
of a drachm: the internal part is considerably weaker, and requires
P. — Prunus. 575
to be given in double the dose to produce the same effect; but as
we possess many more powerful astringents, the cinquefoil is but
little used.
PRINOS VERTICILLATUS. Lin.
Black-alder. Virginia?! winter-berry.
This is a very common shrub in many parts of the United
States, and grows in the greatest perfection in swamps or marshy
places. The bark is manifestly astringent. It is likewise consider-
ably bitter and pungent. The berries greatly partake of the bitter
quality, and if infused in wine or brandy, might be advantageous-
ly employed in cases where bitter tinctures ire exhibited. The
bark has been used as a substitute for Peruvian bark in intermit-
tents and other diseases, both in substance and decoction. It is
supposed to be chiefly useful in cases of great debility unaccom-
panied by fever; as a corroborant in anasarcous and other drop-
sies, and as a tonic in cases of incipient sphacelus or gangrene.
It is both given internally, and employed externailv as a wash.
On many occasions, it appears to be more useful than the Peru-
vian bark; and Professor Barton says it ought to have a place in
the shops, and in the Pharmacopoeia of this country, when such a
desideratum shall be supplied.*
Dr. Mease says (Philadelphia Medical Museum, vol. II), it is
useful in mortification, united with the root of sassafras, in de-
coction, &c.
PRUNUS.
Willd. g. 982. Icosandria Monogynia. — Nat. ord. Pomace ie.
PRUNUS DOMESTICA. Sp. 29. Fructus. Ed.
Prunus Gallic a. Fructus, Prunum Gallicum dictus. L. D.
Plum tree. The fruit. French prunes.
This tree is found wild in hedges in England, but has proba-
bly originated from the stones of the cultivated kinds being drop-
ped there by accident. Great quantities of the dried fruit are im-
ported from the continent, but the French prunes are reckoned
the best.
Medical use. — They contain much mucilaginous and saccharine
matter, and their medical effects are, to abate heat, and gently
* Barton's Collections, Part II. p. 5,
576 Materia Medica.
loosen the belly, which they perform by lubricating the passages,
and softening the excrement. They are of considerable service
in costiveness, accompanied with heat or irritation, which the
more stimulating cathartics would tend to aggravate: where
prunes are not of themselves sufficient, their action may be pro-
moted by joining with them a little rhubarb or the like; to which
may be added some carminative ingredient to prevent their occa-
sioning flatulency.
Officinal Preparation.
Electuarium sennae, E. L. D. - vide Electuaria*
PRUNUS SPINOSA. Sp. 32. Prunus Sylvestris. L.
Fructus. L.
The Sloe tree. The fruit.
The sloe also grows wild in Britain. The fruit has a very as-
tringent sourish taste. It contains malic acid.# The inspissated
juice of the unripe fruit is very astringent, and is called Acacia
Germanica. An infusion of a handful of the flowers is a safe and
easy purge. The powdered bark will sometimes cure agues.
Officinal Preparation.
Conserva pruni sylvestris, L. - vide Conserve*
PRUNUS VIRGINIANA.
Wild Cherry Tree.
This tree is very common. The bark has been found useful in
mtermittents. The leaves are poisonous to certain animals, and
even the berries intoxicate different kinds of birds. The Indians
use the bark in the cure of syphilis. It is considerably bitter and
astringent, and possesses some aromatic warmth, and likewise an
evident narcotic quality. It is manifestly stimulant. The bark of
the root seems most powerful.
* Malic acid is a viscid fluid, incapable of crystallization, of a reddish brown
colour, and very acid taste. It exists in the juice of apples, and combined with
lime in that of the common house leek. It form's precipitates in the solution of
the nitrates of mercury, lead, and silver. Officinal. Barberry, plum, sloe,
elder, &c.
Malates having- alkalies for their base, are deliquescent. The acidulous malate
of lime is soluble in cold water.
P. — Pterocarpus. 577
It has been found useful in dyspepsia, consumption of the lungs
and lumbar abscess, (see Medical Repository, vol. V. No. III).
The distilled water of the leaves is a powerful poison to differ-
ent animals, which seems dependent on the presence of the same
principle which exists in peach kernels, &c. lately shown to be
prussic acid. A strong decoction of the bark is anthelmintic*
PTEROCARPUS.
Diadelphia Decandria. — Nat. ord. Papilionacece.
PTEROCARPUS SANTALINUS. Lignum. Ef.
Santalum Rubrum. L. D.
Red saunders. The Wood.
D. Sandtlhout. P. Sandato.
DA. Sandelholt. POL. CyndaL
F. Santal, Sandal. li. Sandal.
G Sandriholz. S. Sandalo.
I. Sandalo. SW. Sandel.
This tree grows in the East Indies, and acquires a very large
size. The wood is brought in large billets, of a compact texture,
a dull red, almost blackish colour on the outside, and a deep
brighter red within. It has no manifest smell, and little or no
taste. It communicates a deep red to rectified spirit, but gives no
tinge to aqueous liquors: a small quantity of the resin, extracted
by means of spirit, tinges a large one of fresh spirit, of an elegant
blood red. Neumann got from 960 grains 210 alcoholic, and
afterward 20 of watery extract; and inversely, 126 tough watery
extract, and 120 alcoholic. According to the saifrie chemist, it
gives out its colouring matter to volatile oil of lavender, but not
to volatile oil of turpentine. Is this difference to be ascribed to
the camphor contained in the former?
Officinal Preparation.
Tinctura lavandulae composita, E. L. D> vide Tincturcc.
* Barton's Collections, Part I. and II
4D
578 Materia Medica.
PTEROCARPUS DRACO. Resina. Ed.
Sanguis Draconis. L.
Dragons blood, A Resin.
D. Draakenbloed. P. Sangue de drago,
DA. Dragfblod POL. Smocza kreiv.
F. Sang dragon. R. Drakonowa krow.
G. Drachenblut. S. Sangro de drago.
I. Sangue di drago. SW. Drakblcd.
This is also a very large tree. It is a native of South America,
and the resin which exudes irom incisions made in its bark used
to be frequently sent from Carthageria to Spain. It is however
doubtful, if the dragons blood of the shops be produced from
this tree, as many others furnish a similar resin, as the dracsena
draco, dalbergia monetaria, and especially the calamus draco,
which probably furnishts all that is brought from the East
Indies.
The best dragons blood is not in cakes, but is brought in small
masses, of the size of a nutmeg, wrapt up in the dried leaves of
some kind of reed, breaks smooth, free from any visible impuri-
ties, of a dark-red colour, which changes, upon being powdered,
into an elegant bright crimson. This drug, in substance, has no
sensible smell or taste: when dissolved, it discovers some degree
of warmth and pungency. It is fusible and inflammable, and total-
ly soluble in alcohol, tinging a large quantity of the menstruum
of a deep red colour. It is likewise soluble in expressed oils, and
gives them a red hue, less beautiful than that communicated by
anchusa. It is not acted upon by water, but precipitated by it
from its alcoholic solution. Dr. Duncan found that it is soluble
in nitrous acid and alkalies, and that it neither precipitates gela-
tin, nor affects the colour of the salts of iron. It therefore appears
to be a pure resin without any astringency. He has been more
particular in proving that this resin is not astringent because both
. Mr. Murrav and Dr. Thomson have adopted Mr. Proust's ac-
count, of it. But the substance examined by Mr. Proust could not
be the resin known in this country by the name of Dragons
blood, as it was as soluble in water as in alcohol/ Dr. Fothergill,
who first described kino, received it as the finest Dragons blood.
Something similar must have happened to Mr. Proust, as the
characters of his sang dracon correspond with those of kino.
Officinal Preparation.
Emplastrum thuris compositum, L". - vide Unguenta.
P.— Pulveres. 579
PUL VERES.— POWDERS.
This form is proper for such materials only as are capable of
being sufficiently dried to become pulverisable, without the loss
of their virtue. There are several substances, however of this
kind, which cannot be conveniently taken in powder; bitter, acrid,
fetid, drugs are too disagreeable; emollient and mucilaginous
herbs and roots are too bulky; pure gums cohere, and become
tenacious in the mouth: fixed alkaline salts deliquesce when ex-
posed to the air; and volatile alkalies exhale. Many of the aro-
matics, too, suffer a great loss of their odorous principles when
kept in powder; as in that form they expose a much larger sur-
face to the air.
The dose of powders, in extemporaneous prescription, is gene-
rally about half a drachm; it rarclv exceeds a whole drachm; and
is not often less than a scruple. Substances which produce pow-
erful effects in smaller doses are not trusted to thisfform, unless
their bulk be increased by additions of less efficacy^those which
require to be given in larger ones are better fitted ior'other forms.
The usual vehicle for taking the lighter powders, is any agree-
able thin liquid. The ponderous powders, particularly those pre-
pared from metallic substances, require a more consistent vehicle,
as syrups; for from thin ones they soon subsiae: Resinous sub-
stances likewise are most commodiousiy taken in thick liquors;
for in thin ones, they are apt to run into lumps, which are not
easily again soluble.
PUL VIS ALOES cum CANELLA. L.
Poxuder of Aloes with Canetla.
Take of
Socotorine aloes, one pound;
White canella, three ounces.
Powder them separately, and then mix them. (L.)
This composition has long been known in the shops Under the
title of Hiera picrcu It furnishes us with an useful aloetic pur-
gative, the canella operating as a good corrigent for the aloes.
But it is more frequently employed as the basis of electuaries, or
pills.
580 Materia Medica.
PULVIS ALOETICUS cum GUAIACO. L.
Aloetic Powder with Guaiacum.
Take of
Socotorine aloes, one ounce and a half;
Gum guaiacum, one ounce;
Aromatic powder, half an ounce.
Rub the aloes and gum guaiacum separately to powder; then mix
them with the aromatic powder. (L.)
This also furnishes us with a useful purgative: but when taken
only in small doses, its chief effect is that of promoting perspira-
tion.
PULVIS ALOETICUS cum FERRO. L.
Aloetic Powder with Iron.
Take of
Socotorine aloes, an ounce and a half;
Myrrh, two ounces;
Dry extract of gentian,
Vitriolated iron, of each one ounce.
Reduce them separately to powder, and mix them. (L.)
In this powder we have an aloetic and chalybeate conjoined*
It is an useful medicine, and is particularly employed with ad-
vantage in cases of obstructed menstruation.
PULVIS AROMATICUS. Ed. L. D.
Aromatic Powder.
Take of
Cinnamon, two ounces;
Smaller cardamom seeds, husked,
Ginger,
Long pepper, of each one ounce.
Rub them together to a powder which is to be kept in a close
stopped bottle. (L. D.)
This composition is an agreeable, hot, spicy, medicine; and
as such may be usefully taken in cold phlegmatic habits and de-
cayed constitutions, for warming the stomach, promoting diges-
tion, and strengthening the tone of the viscera. The dose is from
ten grains to a scruple and upwards.
p._Pulveres. 531
Officinal Preparations.
Pulvis aloeticus cum guaiaco, L.
Electuarium aromaticum, E.
opiatum, E.
PULVIS ASARI EUROPiEI COMPOSITUS. ExL
Pulvis Asari Compositus. L. D.
Compound Powder of Asarabacca*
Take of
The leaves of asarabacca, three parts.
The leaves of marjoram,
Flowers of lavender, of each one part.
Rub them together to powder. E.
This is an agreeable and efficacious errhine, and superior
to most of those usually sold under the name of herb snuff. It is
often employed with great advantage in cases of obstinate head-
ach, and of ophthalmias resisting other modes of cure. Taken
under the form of snuff to the extent of five or six grains at bed-
time, it will operate the succeeding day as a powerful errhine, in-
ducing frequent sneezing, and likewise a copious discharge from
the nose. It is, however, necessary, during its operation, to avoid
exposure to cold.
PULVIS CARBONATIS CALCIS COMPOSITUS; olim,
Puxvis Cretaceus. Ed,
Compound Powder of Carbonate of Lime, formerly Chalk Powder.
Pulvis Cret^e Compositus. L.
Compound Powder of Chalk,
Take of
Prepared carbonate of lime, four ounces;
Nutmeg, half a drachm;
Cinnamon, one drachm and a half.
Reduce them together to powder. (E.)
The addition of the aromatics in the above formula, coincides
with the general intention of the remedy, which is indicated in
weakness and acidity in the stomach, and in looseness from
acidity.
582 Materia Medica.
PULVIS CRETjE COMPOSITUS cum OPIO. L.
Compound Powder of Chalk with Opium,
Take of
Compound powder of chalk, eight ounces;
Hard opium, powdered, one drachm and a half.
Mix them. (L.)
From the addition of the opium this remedy becomes still
more powerful than the preceding in restraining diarrhoea.
PULVIS CERUSSiE COMPOSITUS. L.
Compound Powder of Ceruse,
Take of
Ceruse, five ounces;
Sarcocoll, an ounce and a half;
Tragacanth, half an ounce. ^ ^
Powder them together. (L.)
This is employed for external purposes, as in collyria, lotions,
and injections for repelling acrimonious humours, and in inflam-
mations; but for all these purposes it is very inferior to solutions
of acetate of lead.
PULVIS CONTRAYERVA COxMPOSITUS. L.
Compound Powder of Contrayerva.
Take of
Contrayerva, powdered, five ounces;
Compound powder of chalk, one pound and a half.
Mix them. (L.)
This medicine has a very good claim to the title of an alexi-
pharmic and sudorific. The contrayerva by itself proves very ser-
viceable in low fevers, where the vis vitse is weak, and a diapho-
resis to be promoted.
PULVIS IPECACUANHA ET OPII. Ed.
Pulvis Ipec acuanh.eCompositus; olim, Pulvis Doveri. L.D.
Powder of Ipecacuan and Opium; or Compound Powder oflpeca-
cuan, formerly Dover7 s Powder,
p,_pulvcres. 583
Take of
Ipecacuan in powder,
Opium, of each one part;
Sulphate of potass, eight parts.
Triturate them together into a fine powder. (E. L. D.)
The sulphate of potass, from the grittiness of its crystals, is
perhaps better fitted for tearing and dividing the tenacious opium
than any other salt: this seems to be its only use in the prepara-
tion. The operator ought to be cartful that the opium and ipeca-
cuanha be equally diffused through the whole mass of powder,
otherwise different portions of the powder must have differences
in degree of strength.
This powder is one of the most certain sudorifics, and, as such
was recommended by Dr. Dover as an effectual remedy in rheu-
matism. Modern practice confirms its reputation, not only in
fheumatism, but also in drops^ and several other diseases, where
it is often difficult by other means to produce a copious sweat.
The dose is from five to twenty grains, according as the patient's
stom-ioh a id strength can bear it. It is proper to avoid much
drinking immediately after taking it, otherwise it is very apt to
be rejected by vomiting before any other effects are produced.
PULVIS JALAPiE COMPOSITUS. Ed.
Compound Powder of Jalap.
Take of
Jalap root, one part;
Super-tartrite of potass, two parts.
Grind them together to a very fine powder. (E.)
The use of the crystals in this preparation, is to break down
and divide the jalap; and therefore they are directed to be tritur-
ated together, and not separately.
PULVIS MYRRHjE COMPOSITUS. L.
Compound Powder of 'Myrrh.
Take of
Myrrh,
Dried savin,
Dried rue,
Rus ' tn castor, of each one ounce.
Rub them together into a powder. (L.)
584 Materia Medica. *
This is a reformation of the Trochisci e Myrrha, a composi-
tion contrived by Rhazes against uterine obstructions. From a
scruple to a drachm or more, two or three times a-day, may be
taken in any convenient vehicle, or made into boluses.
PULVIS OPIATUS. Ed. L.
Opiate Powder.
Take of
Opium, one part;
Prepared carbonate of lime, nine parts.
Rub them together to a fine powder. (E.)
In this powder the opium is the active ingredient; and it is im-
material whether the phosphate (as the London college directs) or
carbonate of lime be used to promote its mechanical division.
PULVIS SCAMMONII COMPOSITUS. Ed. L. D.
Compound Powder of Scammony.
Take of
Scammony,
Vitriolated vegetable alkali, each two ounces;
Ginger, half an ounce.
Powder them separately and then mix them. (D.)
In this composition, the ginger is an useful addition, and will
render it less apt to gripe.
PULVIS SCAMMONII COMPOSITUS cum ALOE. L.
Compound Pozvder of Scammony with Aloes.
Take of
Scammony, six drachms;
Hard extract of jalap,
Socotorine aloes, of each an ounce and a half;
Ginger, half an ounce.
Powder them separately, and mix them. (L.)
In this formula, the combination of scammony, jalap, and aloes,
furnishes a very active purgative, which, with some intentions at
least, may be preferable to the preceding. From five to ten
grains of it operate as a purgative, even in cases of obstinate
costiveness.
P.— Pulveres. 585
PULVIS SCAMMONII cum CALOMELANE. L.
Powder of Scammony with Calomel*
Take of
Scammony, half an ounce;
Calomel,
Double refined sugar, of each two drachms.
Powder them separately, and then mix them. (L.)
In this formula, we have the scammony in a more simple state.,
united with such a proportion of calomel, as must very consider-
ably aid its purgative power; and accordingly it may be employed
with advantage, both in cases of obstinate costiveness, and in
dropsical affections, where a considerable discharge is required
from the system.
PULVIS SENNiE COMPOSITUS. L.
Compound Powder of Senna.
Take of
Senna,
Crystals of tartar, of each two ounces;
Scammony, half an ounce;
Ginger, two drachms.
Triturate the scammony by itself, reduce the rest together into a
powder, and then mix them all. (L.)
This powder is given as a cathartic, in the dose of two scru-
ples, or a drachm. The spice is added, not only to divide, but to
warm the medicine, and make it sit easier on the stomach. The
scammony is used as a stimulus to the senna; the quantity of the
latter necessary for a dose, when not assisted by some more pow-
erful material, being too bulky to be conveniently taken in this
form.
PULVIS SULPHATIS ALUMINA COMPOSITUS/
olim, Pulvis Stypticus. Ed.
Compound Pozvder of Sulphate of Alumina, formerly Styptic Poxu-
der.
Take of
Sulphate of alumina, four parts;
Kino, one part.
Rub them together to a fine powder. (E.)
4 E
586 Materia Medica.
This powder is composed of two very powerful astringents,
but which we believe are not combined with propriety. At least,
it is certain that a solution of alum is decomposed by a solution
of Kino.
PULVIS TRAGACANTHiE COMPOSITUS. L.
Compound Powder of Tragacantlu
Take of
Tragacanth, powdered,
Gum arabic,
Starch, of each an ounce and a half;
Double refined sugar, three ounces.
Rub them together into a powder. (L.)
This composition is a mild emollient; and hence becomes ser-
viceable in hectic cases, tickling coughs, strangury, some kinds of
alvine fluxes, and other disorders proceeding from a thin acrimo-
nious state of the humours, or an abrasion of the mucus of the
intestines: they soften, and give a greater degree of consistency
to the former, and defend the latter from being irritated or exco-
riated by them. All the ingredients coincide in these general in-
tentions. The dose is from half a drachm to two or three drachms,
which may be frequently repeated.
PUNIC A GRANATUM. Cortex fructus. Flores plenu
Balaustia dicti. Ed.
Granatum. L. D.
Pomegranate. The outer rind of the fruit. The double flowers^
called Balaustine.
Willd.g. 980. sp. 1. Icosandria Monogynia. — Nat. ord. Pomacece.
The pomegranate is a low tree, or rather shrub, growing wild
in Italy and other countries in the south of Europe; it is some-
times met with in our gardens; but the fruit, for which it is chief-
ly valued, rarely comes to perfection. This fruit has the general
qualities of the other sweet summer fruits, allaying heat, quench-
ing thirst, and gently loosening the belly. The rind is a strong
astringent, striking a permanent blue with sulphate of iron, and
as such is occasionally made use of. The flowers are of an elegant
red colour, in appearance resembling "a dried red rose. Their
taste is bitterish and astringent. They are recommended in diar-
rhoeas, dysenteTies, and other cases where astringent medicines
are proper.
p._Pyrus Cydonia. 587
PYROLA UMBELLATA.
Ground-holly \ Pippsiseva.
This is a very common North American plant, belonging to
the same class and order as the uva ursi. The two plants are
nearly allied to each other in botanical affinity, as well as in their
medical properties.
It is considerably astringent, and is considered by Dr. Barton
as highly worthy the notice of physicians. It has been used with
advantage in the same cases in which uva ursi has been found
beneficial. It has also been used with good effect in some cases of
intermittents. In one case its diuretic operation was evident. The
bruised leaves externally applied sometimes induce redness, ve-
sication and desquamation of the skin.#
PYRUS CYDONIA.
Cydonia Malus. Fructus, ejusque semen, L.
The quince. The fruit and seeds.
Willd.g. 992. sp. 17. Icosandria Pentagynia — Nat. ord. Pomaceos.
The quince is originally a native of Crete, but ripens its fruit
perfectly in our climate.
Quinces have a very austere acid taste: taken in small quan-
tity, they are supposed to restrain vomiting and alvine fluxes;
and more liberally, to loosen the belly. The seeds abound with a
mucilaginous substance of no particular taste, which they readily
impart to watery liquors; an ounce will render three pints of wa-
ter thick and ropy like the white of an egg. They will not how-
ever supply the place of gum arabic, because their mucilage
spoils very quickly, and is precipitated by acids.
Officinal Prefaration.
Mucilago pyri cydonise, L. - - vide Mucilagines.
* Barton's Collections, Part II. p. 2. Mitchel's Inaugural Essay, on Uva ursi,
and Pyrola umbellata.
58$ Materia Medica*
Q
QUASSIA.
Willd. g. 849. Decandria Monogynia. — Nat. ord. Gruiiiales*
QUASSIA EXCELSA. Sp. 3. Lignum. Ed.
Quassia. Lignum, Cortex, Radix. L.
Quassia, the wood, bark, and root.
D. Kwassiehout.
I.
Legno di Quassia,
DA. Quassebarfc.
P.
Pao de Quassia.
F. Bois de Quassie.
S.
Leno de Quassia.
G. Quassienholz.
sw.
Quassia trad.
This tree grows in Jamaica, and in the Caribsean islands. The
quassia of the shops is the wood of its root, and not of the quassia
amara, which is a very rare tree, but surpasses all others in bitter-
ness.
This root is about the thickness of a man's arm: its wood is
whitish, becoming yellowish by exposure to the air. It has a thin,
grey, fissured, brittle bark, which is deemed in Surinam more
powerful than the wood. Quassia has no sensible odour, but is
one of the most intense, durable, pure bitters known. Its infu-
sion, decoction, and tincture, are almost equally bitter and yellow-
ish, and are not blackened by chalybeates. The properties of the
extract of quassia have been detailed by Dr. Thompson, under the
title of the bitter principle.
Medical use. — It is a very pure and simple bitter, and may be
given in all cases where bitters are proper. It has been exhibited
in intermittent and bilious fevers, in stomachic complaints, in li-
enteria, in cachexy, dropsies, leucorrhcea, and gout. It is much
used in Great Britain to give the bitterness to malt liquors,
though it subjects those brewers who employ it to a very heavy
penalty.
It can scarcely be reduced to a sufficiently fine powder to be
given in substance, and is therefore generally given in the form
of infusion, decoction, or extract. (
Q.— Quercus. 589
QUASSIA SIMARUBA. Sp. 2. Cortex. Ed.
Simarouba. Cortex. L. Cortex, Lignum. D.
Simarouba. Mountain or bitter damson. The bark.
D.
Roodenloop. ivortel.
I.
Simaruba.
DA.
Simaruba.
P.
Simaroba.
F.
Simarouba.
S.
Simaruba.
G.
Ruhrwurzel.
sw.
Simaruba.
This tree grows in Guiana and in Jamaica. The simarouba of
the shops is the bark of the root of this tree, and not of the quassia
amara, as stated bv the Dublin college. It is brought to us in
pieces some feet long, and some inches broad, folded lengthwise.
It is light, fibrous, very tough; of a pale yellow on the inside;
darker coloured, rough, 9caly, and warted on the outside; has lit-
tle smell, and a bitter, not disagreeable taste. It gives out its bit-
terness both to alcohol and water.
Medkal use. — It has been much celebrated in obstinate diar-
rhoea, dysentery, anorexia, indigestion, lienteria, and intermittent
fevers; but it is doubtful that it is better than other bitters.
It is given in powder, in doses of half a drachm, or a whole
drachm; but it is too bulky, and very difficultly pulverizable. It
is oest exhibited in decoction. Two drachms of the bark may be
boiled in two pounds of water to one, and the decoction drunk in
cupfuls in the course of the day.
QUERCUS.
Monoecia Polyandria — Nat. ord. Amentacece.
QUERCUS ROBUR. Cortex. Ed.
IQuercus. L. D.
Oak. The bark.
D. Eik. P. RobleyCarvalht
DA. Eeg. POL. Dab.
F. Chene. R. Dab.
G. Eiche. S. Noble, Carbatlo.
I. Quercia. SW. Ek.
The oak grows wild in Britain. The superior excellence of its
wood for ship-building has rendered its cultivation an object of
590 Materia Medica.
national concern. Its saw-dust is an useful dye stuff, and its bark
is the principal article used in tanning.
Medical use. — The bark is a strong astringent, and is recom-
mended in hemorrhagies, alvine fluxes, and other preternatural
or immoderate secretions. In these it is sometimes attended with
good effects. But it is by no means capable of being employed as
a substitute, in every instance, for Peruvian bark, as some have
asserted; and indeed it is so difficultly reduced to a sufficiently
fine powder, that it can scarcely be given internally in substance.
Dr. Rousseau in a communication published in the Philadel-
phia Medical Museum, Vol. II. has mentioned the efficacy of the
black oak bark in intermittents, and it would appear to be well
worthy the attention of physicians. The powder, as prepared by
Mr. Benger, is of the most extreme degree of fineness.
The Spanish oak, (Quercus rubra montana) Dr. Barton has
used in gangrene, and he thinks it equalled in power the best
Peruvian bark.
Officinal Preparation.
Extractum querci, D. vide Extracta.
QUERCUS CERRIS. Cyniphis nidus. Ed.
Galla; L. GalljE. Cynipidum nidi. D.
Oriental oak. The nest of the cynips quercifolii.
D. Galnooten. P. Gaihas, Bugalhos.
DA. Galdcebler. POL. Galas.
F. Galles, Noix de Galles. R. Tschernilnue oreschki.
G. Galldpfd. S. Jgaitas.
I. Galle, Galluzze. SW. Galldjijilen.
This species of oak is a native of the Levant, and of the
warmer countries of Europe.
The cynips quercifolii, an hymenopterous insect, deposits its
eggs in the leaves and other tender parts of the tree. Around each
puncture an excresence is presently formed, within which the egg
is hatched, and the insect passes through all the stages of its me-
tamorphosis, until it becomes perfect, when it eats its way out
of its prison. These excrescences are called galls, or gall-nuts.
They are of different sizes, smooth or knotty on the surface, of a
whitish, reddish, or blackish colour, and generally penetrated
with a small hole. Internally they consist of a spongy, but hard,
more or less brown substance, and they have a very rough astrin-
gent taste. Good galls are of a blackish-grey or yellow colour,
heavy, and tuberculated on the surface. They are the most pow-
Q. — Quercus Cerris. 591
erful astringents we possess; and, since the discovery of the tan-
ning principle by Mr. Seguin, have very much engaged the atten-
tion of chemists. But the most accurate analysis is that of Mr.
Davy, who found that 500 grains of good Aleppo galls gave, by
lixiviating them until their soluble matters were taken up, and
evaporating the solution slowly, 185 grains of solid matter, which,
when examined by analysis, appeared to consist of,
Tannin,^ 130
Mucilage, and matter rendered insoluble by
evaporation, 12
Gallic acid,f and a little extractive matter, 31
Remainder, calcareous earth and saline matter, 12
From his experiments, Dr. Duncan is disposed to think that
Mr. Davy has under-rated the tannin of nut-galls; for by simple
repeated infusions in hot water, the residuum of 500 grains in
one experiment amounted only to 158, and in another only to
136. The quantity of tannin estimated in Mr. Davy's way
amounted, in the first to 221 grains, and in the second to 256.
The great difference in these results from Mr. Davy's must be
entirely ascribed to some differences in the galls themselves, or
in the mode of operation. A saturated decoction of galls, in cool-
ing, deposits a copious- pale yellow precipitate, which seems to
be purer tannin than can be got by any other process. Neumann
got from 960 grains of coarsely powdered galls 840 watery ex-
tract, and afterwards only 4 alcoholic; and inversely, 760 alco-
holic and 80 watery.
Medical use. — An infusion or docoction of galls may be used
with advantage as an astringent gargle; and an ointment of one
part of finely powdered galls to eight of any simple ointment is
applied with success in hemorrhoidal affections.
* Tannin, when completely dried, is a brittle substance, of a black colour,
and vitreous fracture; it is soluble in alcohol; it is much more soluble in hot
than in cold water. The solution has a dark brown colour, astringent taste, and
peculiar smell; it is precipitated by acids, in the form of a viscid fluid, like pitch;
it is also precipitated by carbonate of potass in yellow flakes; it forms an inso-
luble elastic precipitate with gelatin, and dark blue or black precipitates with
iron.
| Gallic acid crystallizes in brilliant colourless plates, of an acid and some-
what: austere taste, and of a peculiar odour when heated. It may be sublimed
without alteration, although a strong heat decomposes it in part. It is not al-
tered by exposure to the air, is soluble in I 1-2 of water at 212°, and in 12
waters at 60°, and in four times its weight of alcohol It has a strong affinity
for metallic oxides, especially iron. It precipitates gold, copper, and silver
brown, mercury orange, iron black, bismuth yellow, and lead whiie.
Gallates have not been examined.
592 Materia Medica.
R
RANUNCULUS SCELERATUS.
Celery-leaved Crowfoot,
This is a very acrid plant; when bruised and laid upon any
part of the body, it will in a few hours' time raise a blister. The
Ranunculus bulbosus, (bulbous crowfoot or butter-cups) pos-
sesses the same properties. The former is a native of both Eu-
rope and America, the latter, which grows here very plentifully,
Dr. Barton thinks is not a native.^
RHAMNUS CATHARTICUS. Baccarum succus. Ed.
Spina Cervina. Bacca. L.
Purging buckthorn. The berry. The juice of the berries.
Willd.g.405.sp. 1. Pentandria Monogynia. — Nat. ord. Dumosce.
This tree, or bush, is common in hedges: it flowers in June,
and ripens its fruit in September or the beginning of October. In
the markets, the fruit of some other trees, as the black berry-
bearing alder, and the dogberry tree, have of late been frequently
mixed with, or substituted for, those of buckthorn. This abuse
may be discovered by opening the berries: those of buckthorn
have almost always four seeds, the berries of the alder two, and
those of the dogberry only one. Buckthorn berries, bruised on
white paper, stain it of a green colour, which the others do not.
Those who sell the juice to the apothecaries, are said to mix it
with a large proportion of water.
Medical use — Buckthorn berries have a faint disagreeable
smell, and a nauseous bitter taste. They have long been in con-
siderable esteem as cathartics: and celebrated in dropsies, rheu<
matisms, and even in the gout: though in these cases they have no
advantage above other purgatives, but are more offensive, and
operate more severely, than many which the shops are furnished
c
* Barton's Collection;?, Part I. p. 23..
R. — Rheum Palmatum. 595
whh. They generally occasion gripes, sickness, dry the mouth
and throat, and leave a thirst of long duration. The dose is
about twenty of the fresh berries in substance, and twice or thrice
this number in decoction; an ounce of the expressed juice, or n
drachm of the dried berries.
Officinal PrfparaTion.
Syrupus rhamni cathartici, E. L. - vide Syrup!,
RHEUM PALMATUM. Radix. Ed.
Rhabarbarum. L. D.
Palmated rhubarb. The root.
Willd.g. 808. sp. 5. Enneandria Monogynia. — Nat. ord. Oleracea.
D. Rhabarbe.r.
POL
Rcubarbar
DA. Rabarber.
reckic.
F. Rhubarbe.
R.
Reiven.
G. Rhabarber.
S.
Ruibarbo.
I. Rabarbaro,
Reriarbaro.
s\v.
Rabarber.
P. Ruibarbo.
This plant grows spontaneously in China, and endures the
colds of our climate.
But it is not ascertained that the Chinese or Russian rhubarb
is the dried root of this plant. Pallas thinks that it is obtained in-
discriminately from the rheum undulatum, palmatum, and com-
pactum, more especially from the first; while Mr. Sievers, an
apothecary who was sent by Catherine II. on purpose to obtain
the true rhubarb plant, and travelled for several years in the
countries contiguous to that whence the rhubarb is brought, is
of opinion, that the botanical characters of the plant which fur-
nishes it are still unknown, excepting that it is said not to grow
to a great size, and to have round leaves, which are toothed on
the edges with almost spinous points.
All the rhubarb of commerce is brought from the Chinese town
Sini, or Selim, by the Bucharians. It grows on the neighbouring
chain of lofty mountains which stretches to the lake Koko-Nor,
between 35° and 40° north latitude. It is dug up by the poor
peasants, cleaned from the earth, cut in pieces, strung with the
bark on strings, and exposed to dry under cover in the shade for
a whole year, before it is again cleaned and prepared for exporta-
tion.
There is a distinction made in commerce between the Ru'ssian
and Chinese rhubarb, although they both come from the ^ame
country.
4 F
594 Materia Medica.
The Russian is dearer, and always good, as very great attention
is paid both in purchasing and transporting it, by order of the go-
vernment. In Kiachta, on the Russian frontier, it is received from
the Bucharians by a Russian apothecary, who examines it. The
bad is immediately burnt, and the good is freed from its bark,
woody parts, and every impurity, in the most careful manner. It
is then sent to Moscow and to Petersburgh, where it is again
examined.
It is commonly in round pieces, of a reddish or whitish yellow
colour, feels gritty between the teeth, and is often perforated
with so large a hole, that many pieces have the appearance of a
bark.
The Chinese or East-Indian rhubarb is brought by sea from
Canton. It is heavier, harder, and more compact, than the other;
seldom perforated with holes, and either in long pieces, or with
two flat sides, as if they had been compressed. Dr. Lewis thinks
that this is less aromatic, but stronger, than the Turkey; and that
it has required less care in drying from having been lifted when
the root was less watery.
The general characters of good rhubarb are, its having a whitish
or clear yellow colour, being dry, solid, and compact, moderately
heavy; brittle; when recently broken appearing marked with yel-
low or reddish veins, mixed with white; being easily pulveriza-
ble; forming a powder of a fine bright yellow, having the peculiar,
nauseous, aromatic smell of rhubarb, and a sub-acrid, bitterish,
somewhat astringent taste, and when chewed feeling gritty under
'.he teeth, speedily colouring the saliva, and not appearing very
mucilaginous. The size and form of the pieces are of little con-
sequence; only we must break the large ones, to see that they are
not decayed or rotten within; and we must also observe that they
are not musty or worm-eaten. This is the more necessary, as
damaged pieces are frequently so artfully dressed up, and colour-
ed with powdered rhubarb, as to impose on the buyer.
The principal constituent of rhubarb is extractive matter, so-
luble both in alcohol and in water. By gentle decoction, it loses
above one half its weight. Rhubarb also contains some volatile
odorous matter, on which its peculiar nauseous smell and its ac-
tivity as a purge, depend; for when dissipated, either by age or
any preparation to which the rhubarb has been subjected, the
powers of the medicine are almost destroyed. It also contains
some tannin, and about one sixth of its weight of oxalate of lime.
Neumann got from 480 grains 180 of alcoholic, and afterwards
170 watery extract; and inversely, 350 watery and only 5 of alco-
holic extract.
Medical use. — Rhubarb is a mild cathartic, which operates
without violence or irritation, and may be given with safety even
R. — Rhododendron Chrysanthum. 595
to pregnant women, and to children. In some people, however,
it occasions severe griping. Besides its purgative quality, it is
celebrated as an astringent, by which it strengthens the tone of the
stomach and intestines, and proves useful in diarrhoea and disor-
ders proceeding from laxity.
Rhubarb is exhibited,
1. In substance, in the form of powder. It operates more
powerfully as a purgative in this form than in any other. The
dose for an adult is about a scruple or upwards. On account of its
great bulk, it is sometimes unpleasant to take, and its laxative ef-
fects are often increased by the addition of neutral salts, or other
more active purgatives. In smaller doses it often proves an ex-
cellent stomachic.
2. In infusion. Rhubarb yields more of its purgative property
to water than to alcohol. The infusion is, however, considerably
weaker than the powder, and requires double the dose to pro-
duce the same effect. It is well adapted for children, but must be
always fresh prepared.
3. In tincture. On account of the stimulating nature of the
menstruum, this preparation frequently cannot be exhibited in
doses large enough to operate as a purgative. Its principal use is
as a tonic and stomachic.
The virtues of rhubarb are destroyed by roasting, boiling, and
in forming the extract.
Officinal Preparations.
Infusum rhei, E. - - - vide Infuscc.
Vinum rhei, E. L Vina medicata.
Tinctura rhei,E.L Tinctura\
composita, L. - - Idem.
cum aloe, E. Idem,
cum gentiana, E. - - Idem.
Pilulae rhei composite, E. - Pilulce.
RHODODENDRON CHRYSANTHUM. Folia. Ed.
Tcllow-Jiowered Rhododendron. The leaves.
JVilld. g. 867. sp. 7. Decandria Monogijnia. — Nat. ord. Bicornes,
This small shrub grows in the coldest situations, and highest
parts of the snow-covered mountains in East Siberia, and espe-
cially in Dauria. The leaves are oblong, rigid, reflected at the
edges, rough on the upper surface, smooth, and paler on the
lower. When dried, they have no smell, but a rough, astringent,
and bitterish taste. They also contain a stimulant narcotic prin-
ciple; for they increase the heat of the body, excite thirst, and
596 Materia Medica.
♦
produce diaphoresis, or an increased discharge of the other
secretions or excretions; and in a larger dose, inebriation and
delirium.
Medical use. — The Siberians use a decoction of it in rheuma-
tism and gout. They put about two drachms of the dried shrub'
in an earthen pot, with about ten ounces of boiling water, keep-
ing it near a boiling heat for a night, and this they take in the
morning. Besides its other effects, it is said to produce a sensa-
tion of prickling or creeping in the pained parts; but in a few
hours the pain and disagreeable symptoms are relieved, and two
or three doses generally Complete the cure. The use of liquids is
not allowed during its operation, as this is apt to induce vomiting,
RHODODENDRON MAXIMUM.
Pennsylvania mountain laurel.
This plant, which is poisonous, is a species of the same genu?
as the Rhododendron, which has lately acquired much reputation
in the cure of chronic rheumatism. The powder around the foot-
stalks is errhine.*
RHUS TOXICODENDRON. Folia. Ed.
Poison oak. The leaves.
Willd.g. 566. sp. 17. Pentandria Trigynia. — Nat. ord. Dumosce.
This is a deciduous shrub of moderate growth, a native of
North America. The leaves are alternate, and stand upon very
long leaf-stalks. Each leaf consists of three leants. It is said that
its juice is so extremely acrid as to cause inflammation, and some-
times even sphacelation, in the parts touched with it.
Medical use. — It was first tried as a medicine by Dr. Alderson
of Hull, in imitation of the experiments of M. Fresnoi with the
rhus radicans. He gave it in four cases of paralysis, in doses of
half a grain, or a grain, three times a day, and all his patients
recovered, to a certain degree the use of their limbs. The first
symptom of amendment was always an unpleasant feeling of
prickling or twitching in the paralytic limbs. It has been given
in larger doses, without experiencing the same success. It was
not, however, inactive. In one case the patient discontinued its
use on account of the disagreeable prickling it occasioned; and
in general it operated as a gentle laxative, notwithstanding the
torpid state of the bowels of such patients.
* Barton's Collections, Part I. p. 1#.
R. — Ribes. — Ricinus. 597
This family of plants deserves more attention than has yet been
paid them. The excellent Inaugural Dissertation of Dr. Horse-
field, on the Rhus Vernix, Rhus Radicans, and Rhus Glabrum,
published in 1798, will amply repay the trouble of perusing it.
See also Dr. Barton's Collections, Part I. and II.
RIBES.
Willd.g.AAS. Pentandria Monogijnia. — Nat. ord. Pomacece.
D. Korenten, Krenten. P. Passas de Corinto.
F. Raisins de Corinthe. POL. Rozinki male, drobne*
G. Korinthen. R. Korinka, Qjioek.
I. Uve passe di Corinto. S. Pasas de Corinto.
RIBES RUBRUM. Sp. 1. Fructus. L. D.
Red currant. The fruit.
This shrub grows wild in England, and is very generally cul-
tivated for the sake of its pleasant sub-acid fruit. The juice of
the fruit contains saccharine matter, malic, and citric acids, and
a substance scarcely soluble in cold water, very soluble in hot
water, and coagulating into the form of a jelly as it cools. By
boiling currant juice with a sufficient quantity of sugar to absorb
the acid watery parts, the whole forms, on cooling, an uniform
jelly, which is often used as an acid demulcent in sore throats,
and dissolved in water, forms a pleasant cooling drink in feverish
complaints.
RIBES NIGRUM. Sp. 8. Fructus. L. D.
Black currant. The fruit.
This is also a native shrub of England, which is likewise fre-
quently cultivated for the same purposes with the former variety,
and indeed is preferred to it for medical use.
Officinal Preparations.
Syrupus succi fructus ribis nigri, L. - vide Syrupi.
Succus spissatus ribis nigri, L. Succi Spissati.
RICINUS COMMUNIS. Semen, et oleum fxum. Ed. L. D.
Monoecia Monadelphia. — Nat. ord. Triccoccc.
Pahna Christi. The seeds, and the fixed oil obtained from them.
F. Htdle de Ricin. P. Oleo de Ricino.
G. Una hte% Pahnoel, Ricinus oel. S. Aceite de Ricino, 6 Palme.
T-. Olio di Ridne Christi
598 Materia Medica.
This plant grows in both Indies, Africa, and the south of
Europe. It also grows luxuriantly in the southern states of
America, where it is now becoming an article of export. It is of
speedy growth, and in one year arrives at its full height, which
seldom exceeds twenty feet. The capsules are prickly and
triangular, and contain, under a thin, dry, grey, and black-mar-
bled husk, a white oily kernel. The skin is extremely acrid; and
one or two of the seeds swallowed entire operate as a drastic
purgative or emetic.
The kernels yield almost a fourth part of their weight of a
bland fixed oil, commonly called Castor oil. It is obtained from
them either by expression or by decoction with water. The former
method is practised in Europe, the latter in Jamaica. To increase
the product, it is common to parch the seeds over the fire, before
the oil is extracted from them; but the oil thus obtained is infe-
rior to that prepared by cold expression or simple decoction, and
is apt to become rancid.
Genuine castor oil is thick and viscid, of a whitish colour, in-
sipid or sweetish to the taste, and without smell.
Medical use. — As a medicine, it is a gentle and useful purga-
tive; it in general produces its effects without griping, and may
be given with safety where acrid purgatives are improper, as in
colic, calculus, gonorrhoea, &c.: some likewise use it as a purga-
tive in worm cases. Half an ounce or an ounce commonly answers
with an adult, and a drachm or two with an infant.
With many the aversion to oil is so great, that this purgative
cannot be taken without great reluctance; and accordingly dif-
ferent modes of taking it have been proposed. Some prefer taking
it swimming on a glass of water, of milk or peppermint water, or
in the form of emulsion, with mucilage, or with the addition of
a little rum.
ROSA.
Wilhl, g> 997. Icosandria Polygyria. — Nat. ord. Sentkoscc.
ROSA GALLIC A. Sp. 16. Petala. Ed.
Rosa Rubra. L. D.
Red rose. The petals.
This has not the fragrance of the succeeding species; but the
beautiful colour of its petals, and their pleasant astringency, have
Tendered them officinal. It must, however, be remarked that
their odour is increased by drying, while that of the damask and
moss roses is almost destroyed.
R.— Rosa. 599
Officinal Preparations.
Syrupus rosae gallicae, E. vide Syrupi.
Mel rosa?, L. D. - - - Mella medicata,
Infusum rosse Gallicae, E. L. D. - Infusa.
Conserva rosae rubrae, E. L. D. - - Conserves
ROSA DAMASCENA. Sp. 17. Petala. L. D.
Rosa Centifolia. Ed.
Damask rose. The Petals.
The native country of this shrub is unknown, but the delight-
ful fragrance of its flowers has rendered it the favourite ornament
of every garden. In the former editions of Linnaeus, the damask
rose was considered as a variety only of the rosa centifolia; but
Aiton, Du Roy, and Willdenow have arranged it as a distinct
species. It is however highly probable, that the petals of all the
varieties of the rosa centifolia, or Dutch hundred leaved rose,
Willdenow's 15th species, are employed indiscriminately with
those of the real damask rose in the distillation of rose water.
Officinal Preparations.
Syrupus rosae centifolia?, E. L. - - vide Syrupi.
Aqua rosae centifoliae, E. L. D. - - Aquas destillatce.
ROSA CANINA. Sp. 31. Fructus recens. £</.
Cynosbatus. L.
Dog rose. The fruit called Hips.
This shrub is found in hedges throughout Britain. The pulp
of the fruit, besides saccharine matter, contains citric acid, which
gives it an acid taste. The seeds, and stiff hair with which they
are surrounded, must be carefully removed from the pulp before
it can be used.
Officinal Preparation.
Conserva rosae caninae, E. L. - - vide Conserve.
600 Materia Medica.
ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS. Summitates fiorentes. Ed.
Rosmarinus. Cacumen,jlos. L. Rosmarinus. Herba. D.
Rosemary, The herb and flowers.
Willd. g. 62. sp. 1. Diandria Monogynia. — Nat. ord. Verticillatce.
Rosemary is a shrubby perennial, which grows wild in the
south of Europe, and is cultivated in our gardens. It has a fra-
grant smell, and a warm pungent bitterish taste, approaching to
those of lavender: the leaves and tender tops are strongest; next
to these the cup of the flower; the flowers themselves are consi-
derably the weakest, but most pleasant.
Medical use* — Its virtues depend entirely on its essential oil,
which seems to be combined with camphor, not only from its pe-
culiar taste, but from its possessing chemical properties, which
depend on the presence of camphor; and from its depositing crys-
tals of camphor when long kept.
Officinal Pxepaba'Tions..
Oleum volatile rosmarini, E. L. D. - vide Olea volatilia.
Spiritus rosmarini, E. L. - - - Spiritus destillath
RUBIA TINCTORUM. Radix. Ed.
Rubia. L. D.
Madder. The root.
D. Miee, &feekrafi, Krafi. P. Granca, Ruivar
DA. Krafi. POL. Marzana.
F. Garance. R. Mariona, Krafi.
G. Krafifiy Farberrothe. S. Granza, Rubia,
I. Robbi. SW. Krafifi.
Willd. g. 18 7. sp. 1. Tetrandria Monogynia. — Nat. ord. Stellatee.
Madder is perennial, and grows wild in some parts of Britain,
but the dyers are principally supplied with it from Zealand, whei
it is cultivated in large quantities.
The roots consist of articulated fibres, about the thickness of
quill, which are red throughout, have a weak smell, and a bitter-
ish astringent taste. For the use of the dyers, they are first peeled
and dried, then bruised and packed in barrels. Madder possesses
the remarkable property of tinging the urine, milk, and bones, of
animals which are fed with it, of a red colour.
Medical use. — It is said to be useful in the atrophy of chil-
dren, and some believe in its reputed powers as an emmenagogue.
It is given in substance in doses of half a drachm, several times
•B day, or in decoction.
R.— Rumex.— Ruta. 6©i
RUBUS IDiEUS. Fructus. L. D.
Raspberry, The fruit,
Willd. g. 998. sp, 4. kosandria Polygynia, — Nat. ord. Sejitkosce.
This shrub is found wild in Britain, and is much cultivated
for the sake of its pleasant sub-acid fruit, which contains both
citric and malic acids.
Officinal Preparation.
Syrupus succi fructus rubi idrei, L. - vide Syrupi.
RUMEX ACETOSA. Folia. Ed,
Acetosa Pratensis. L. Acetosa. D.
Sorrel, The leaves,
Willd, g, 699. sp, 31. Hexandrm Trigynia, — Nat. ord. Oleracew,
Sorrel is a perennial plant, which grows wild in fields and
meadows throughout Britain. The leaves have an astringent acid
taste, without any smell or particular flavour: their medical effects
are, to cool, quench thirst, and promote the urinary discharge: a
decoction of them in whey affords an useful and agreeable drink
in febrile or inflammatory disorders.
All these effects are to be ascribed entirely to the super-oxalate
of potass which they contain.
RUTA GRAVEOLEXS. Herba, Ed. Ruta. L. D.
Rue. The herb.
Willd. g. 927. sp. 1. Decandria Monogynia. — Nat. ord. Multi-
siliquce.
This is a small shrubby plant, a native of the south of Europe,
and cultivated in our gardens.
Rue has a strong ungrateful smell, and a bitterish penetrating
taste: the leaves, when in full vigour, are extremely acrid, inso-
much as to inflame and blister the skin, if much handled. Neu-
mann got from 960 grains of the dried leaves 330 alcoholic ex-
tract, and afterwards 290 watery; and inversely, 540 waterv and
40 alcoholic. Both primary extracts are bitter and acrid. Rue
also contains a volatile oil, which congeals readilv, and is obtain-
4G
602 Materia Medica.
ed in greatest quantity by distilling the plant "with the seeds half
ripe.
Medical use. — With regard to their medical virtues, like other
remedies, of which the active constituent is an essential oil, they
are heating and stimulating, and hence sometimes are servicea-
ble in spasmodic affections, and cases of obstructed secretions.
Officinal Preparations.
Oleum volatile rutse, D. - - vide Olea volatilia.
Extractum rutse graveolentis, E. L. D. Extracta.
Pulvis myrrh, compositus, L. Pulverex.
s.
SACCHARUM OFFICINARUM.
a. Saccharum non purification. Ed. L. Saccharum rubrum. D.
b. Saccharum pur ificatum. L. D. Saccharum pur issimum. Ed^,
c. Sacchari rubri syrupus. D.
Sugar-cane. Raw or brozun sugar. Double refined sugar. Melasses.
Willd. g. 122. sp. 4. Triandria Digynia. — Nat. ord. Gramma.
D. Suiker. P. dssucar.
DA. Suker. POL. Cukier.
F. Sucre. R. Sachar.
G. Zucker. S. I Jlzucar.
J. Zuccaro. SVV. Socker.
The sugar cane grows wild in both Indies, and forms the prin-
cipcl object of cultivation in the West Indies.
Sugar is a hard, but brittle substance, of a white colour, dis-
posed to form semi-transparent crystallizations, of a sweet taste,
and without smell. When heated sufficiently it melts, is decom-
posed, emits a peculiar smell (carOmel), and becomes inflamed.
Sugar at 40° is soluble in its own weight of water, and%in still
less at 212°. It is also soluble in about four parts of boiling alco-
hol. It combines with volatile oils, and renders them miscible
with water. It also unites with potass" and lime. It is decompos-
ed by the concentrated sulphuric and nitric acids. According to
Lavoisier's experiments, it consists of 71. 7£ oxygen, 17.89 car-
S. — Saccharum. 603
t>on, and 10.35 hydrogen; or, according to the original calcula-
tion, of G4 oxygen, 28 charcoal, and 8 hydrogen.
Sugar is principally obtained from the plant, by boiling down
its expressed juice, with the addition of a certain proportion of
lime or potass, until the greater part is disposed to concrete into
brownish or yellowish crystalline grains. The lime or potass is
added to saturate some malic acid, whose presence impedes the
crystallization. The melasses, or that portion of the inspissated
juice which does not crystallize, is separated from the raw sugar,
which is sent to Europe to be refined. This is performed by dis-
solving it in water, boiling the solution with lime water, clarify-
ing it with blood or white of eggs, and straining it through woollen
bags. The solution, after due evaporation, is permitted to cool
to a certain degree, and then poured into conical forms of unglaz-
ed earthen ware, where it concretes into a mass of irregular crys-
tals. The syrup which has not crystallized is then permitted to
run off through a hole in the apex of the cone. The upper or broad
end of the cone is then covered with moist clay, the water of
which gradually penetrates into the sugar, and displaces a quan-
tity of syrup, which would otherwise be retained in it, and disco-
lour it. It is then carefully dried, and gets the name of loaf or
lump sugar. When the solution and other steps of the process are
repeated, the sugar is said to be double refined. Sugar is some-
times made to assume a more regular form of crystallization, by
carrying the evaporation only a certain length, and then permit-
ting the syrup to cool slowly. In this form it is called Brown or
White sugar candy, according to the degree of its purity.
Raw sugar varies very much in quality. It should be dry, crys-
tallized in large sparkling grains, of a whitish or clear yellow co-
lour, without smell, and of a sweet taste, without any peculiar fla-
vour.
Refined sugar should have a brilliant white colour, and a close
compact texture. It should be very hard, but brittle, and break
with sharp, semi-transparent, splintery fragments.
Medical use. — Sugar, from being a luxury, has now become one
of the necessaries of life. In Europe sugar is almost solely used as
a condiment. But it is also a very wholesome and powerful arti-
cle of nourishment; for during crop time, the negroes in the West-
Indies, notwithstanding their increased labours, always grow fat.
It is in this way also that its internal employment is useful in some
diseases, as in sea-scurvy; for sugar produces no particular effect
as a medicine, except that the coarser and impure kinds are slight-
ly purgative. Applied externally it acts as an escharotic in spongy
and unhealthy granulations; and to abraded or inflamed surfaces
it proves gently stimulant. In pharmacy it is principally employ-
ed to cover bad tastes, to give form, and to preserve more active
604 Materia Medica.
substances. In using it for the last purpose, we must always re-
member, that if the proportion of sugar employed be too small,
it will promote instead of retard, the fermentation of the articles
it is intended to preserve.
Officinal Preparations.
Syrupi omnes, &c. E . - - - vide Syrupi.
Mistura moschata, L. ... Mixtures.
Potio carbonatis calcis, E. L. D. - - Idem*
Melasses or treacle is a very impure syrup. It is thick, viscid, of
a dark brown, almost black colour, and has a peculiar smell, and
a sweet, somewhat empyreumatic taste. Treacle is applied to
many domestic and economical purposes; and in hospital practice
may supersede the use of sugar in many instances.
Officinal Preparations.
Electuarium sennae, D. - vide Electuaria.
SAG APE NUM. Gummi-resina. Ed. L. D.
Sagapenum. A gum-resin.
The plant which furnishes this substance is not ascertained, but
is conjectured by Willdenow to be the Ferula Persica.
Sagapenum is a concrete juice brought from Alexandria, either
in distinct tears, or agglutinated in large masses. It is outwardly
of a yellowish colour; internally, somewhat paler, and clear like
horn; it grows soft upon being handled, and sticks to the fingers;
its taste is hot, nauseous, and bitterish, and its smell disagreeable
and alliaceous.
Neumann got from 480 grains, 306 alcoholic, and 108 watery,
extract, and inversely 170 watery, and 241 alcoholic, extract. The
alcohol distilled from it was sensibly impregnated with its fla-
vour, and along with the water a considerable portion of volatile
oil arose. It is not fusible.
Medical use. — In medical virtues it holds a kind of middle place
between assa fcetida and galbanum, and may be employed in the
same manner, and under similar circumstances.
Officinal Preparation.
Pilulae galbani composite, L. vide Pilules,
SAL AMMONIACUM. - Vide Ammonia.
S. Salix.— Salvia. 605
SAL COMMUNIS. - Vide Murias sodce,
SALIX FUAGILIS. Salix. Cortex. D.
Crack-willow* The bark.
Dioecia Diandria. — Nat. ord. Amentaceoc.
This willow grows wild in England. The bark possesses a
considerable degree of bitterness and astringency. Different spe-
cies of willow have at different times been recommended as sub-
stitutes for the Peruvian bark: they are certainly powerful as-
tringents, but in point of efficacy in the cure of disease, they are
in no degree to be compared with the Peruvian bark, from which
they differ in containing no cinchonin.
SALVIA OFFICINALIS. Folia. Ed.
Salvia. L. D.
Sage. The leaves.
IVilld. g. 63. sp. 7. Diandria Monogynia. — Nat. ord. Vcrticil-
latce.
Sage is a perennial plant, a native of the south of Europe, and
cultivated in our gardens. There are several varieties of it, dif-
fering in size, or in the colour of its flower, but their properties
are the same. They have a peculiar aromatic smell, and a warm
aromatic taste, with some degree of bitterness and astringency.
Medical use. — In its effects sage agrees with other aromatics.
It is stimulant, carminative, and tonic. In cold phlegmatic habits,
it excites appetite, and proves serviceable in debilities of the
nervous system. The best preparation for these purposes is an
infusion of the dry leaves, drunk as tea; or a tincture, or extract,
made with rectified spirit, taken in proper doses; these contain
the whole virtues of the sage; the distilled water and essential oil,
only its warmth and aromatic quality, without any of its rough-
ness or bitterness. Aqueous infusions of the leaves, with tht: ad-
dition of a little lemon-juice, prove an useful diluting drink in
febrile disorders, being sufficiently agreeable to the palate.
606 Materia Medica.
SAMBUCUS NIGRA. Flores, Baccce, Cortex. Ed.
Sambucus. L.*D.
Common elder. The inner bark, flowers, and berries.
Willd. g. 569. sp. 3. Pentandria Trigynia. — Nat. ord. Dumosce.
This tree is frequent in hedges; it flowers in May, and ripens
its fruit in September. The berries contain malic acid, and have
a sweetish, not unpleasant, taste; nevertheless, eaten in substance,
they offend the stomach. For the market they are gathered indis-
criminately from the Sambucus nigra and ebulus, a very venial
fraud, as their effects are exactly the same. They are, however,
easily distinguished, by the latter, when bruised, staining the
fingers of a red colour, and the former of the colour of a withered
leaf.
Medical use. — The expressed juice, inspissated to the consist-
ence of a rob, proves an useful aperient medicine; it opens ob-
structions of the viscera, promotes the natural evacuations, and,
if continued for a length of time, does considerable service in
various chronical disorders. The inner green bark of its trunk is
gently cathartic. An infusion of it in wine, or the expressed juice,
in the dose of half an ounce or an ounce, is said to purge mode-
rately, and in small doses to prove an efficacious de obstruent,
capable of promoting all the fluid secretions. The young leaf buds
are strongly purgative, and act with so much violence as to be
deservedly accounted unsafe. The flowers are very different in
quality: these have an agreeable aromatic flavour, which they
yield in distillation with water, and impart by infusion to vinous
and spirituous liquors.
Officinal Preparations.
Succus spissatus sambuci nig. E. L. vide Succi spissati.
Unguentum sambuci, L. D. - Unguenta.
SANTALUM RUBRUM. - Vide Pterocarpus.
SANGUIS DRACONIS. - Vide Pterocar pus.
SANGUINARIA CANADENSIS.
Indian paint. Puccoon. 'Turmeric.
This is a common plant in the United States. It is emetic and
purgative, and the seeds possess nearly the same quality as those
S. — Sapo. 607
©f stramonium, viz. they induce fever, delirium, dilated pupil,
&c. A deleterious property resides also in the leaves.
It has been used in gonorrhoea; for the bites of serpents, and in
bilious diseases, and the juice is employed for warts. In some
parts of New England, a spiritous tincture of the roots is used as
a tonic bitter. A decoction of the roots is used externally for old
ulcers.
It is deemed but little inferior to ipecacuanha, either in certain-
ty or quickness of operation. The root in powder, or pills, may
be given to an adult in doses of 15 or 20 grains. It is expecto-
rant, and is apparently allied in properties to the seneka snake-
root.*
SAPO. Sapo ex oleo olwarum et soda confectus. Ed.
Sapo. L. Sapo durus hispanicus. D.
Soap,
D Zecji.
P. Sabao.
DA. Sabe.
POL. Mydlo.
F. Savon.
R. Mulo.
G. Safe.
S. Jabon.
I. Sap one.
S\V. Tvat) Griine Sa/ia.
Soaps are combinations of the fluid or concrete fixed oils with
alkalies, earths, or metallic oxides. The alkaline soaps have an
unpleasant taste and peculiar smell, form a milky solution with
water, and a transparent one with alcohol, and are powerfully de-
tergent. White soap is made of soda and olive oil or tallow.
Bnuvn soap contains also resin. Soft soap consists of potass and
whale oil: the white spots in it are from the addition of a little
tallow. The volatile liniment of the pharmacopoeias is a soap of
ammonia and olive oil. The alkaline soaps are decomposed by all
the earthy salts. The alkali of the soap combines with the acid of
the salts, and an earthy soap is formed from the union of the earth
and oil. The earth}- soaps are insoluble in water. The alkaline
soaps are decomposed in the same way by the metallic salts. The
metallic soaps are also insoluble in water: many of them are so-
luble in oil, and some of them in alcohol.
The only species .which is officinal in our pharmacopoeias, is
that composed of olive oil and soda. It is only prepared in the
countries which produce the oil. For medicinal use we prefer the
Spanish.
It should be white and hard, dissolve entirely in water and in
alcohol, forming with the former a milkv, and with the latter a
transparent solution: the solutions should froth freely on agitation.
It should not be variegated in its colour, feel greasy or moist, or
* Barton's Collections, Part I p. 27. 53. Part II. p. 39. 52. Sec also Dr..
Downey's The-sis on this subject, 1803.
608 Materia Medicu.
be covered with a saline efflorescence; and the solutions should
not have a rancid smell or taste. Some of the foreign dispensato-
ries are so very particular about the nature of the soap used in
medicine, as to direct it to be prepared by the apothecary, by sim-
ply triturating, without the assistance of heat, Provence oil, with
half its weight of a solution of soda, of the specific gravity of
1.375, until they unite.
Soap is decomposed by all the acids, earths, and earthy and
metalline salts. The acids combine with the alkali, and separate
the oil. The earths form an insoluble earthy soap with the oil,
and separate the alkali; while with the salts there is a mutual de-
composition, their acid combines with the alkali, and earthy or
metalline soaps are formed.
Medical use, — The detergent property of soap, or the power it
possesses of rendering oily and resinous substances miscible with
water, has given rise to very erroneous notions of its medical vir-
tues. It was supposed to render such substances more readily
soluble in the juices of the stomach, and in the fluids of the body,
and to be well fitted for dissolving such oily or unctuous matters
as it may meet with in the body, attenuating viscid juices, open-
ing obstructions of the viscera, and deterging all the vessels it
passes through. It has likewise been supposed a powerful men-
struum for the urinary calculus; and a solution of soap in lime-
water, has been considered as one of the strongest dissolvents
that can be taken with safety into the stomach; for the virtue of
this composition has been thought considerably greater than the
aggregate of the dissolving powers of the soap and lime-water
when unmixed.
How erroneous these ideas are, appears evidently, when we re-
collect the very easy decomposition of soap, which renders it per-
fectly impossible that it should enter the circulating system, or
indeed come into contact with the fluids even of the mouth, with-
out being decomposed. As to the solution of soap in lime-water,
we may observe, that it is only a clumsy way of exhibiting a so-
lution of soda; for the soap is decomposed, an insoluble soap of
lime is formed, and the soda remains in solution. The internal
use of soap should therefore be confined, in our opinion, to the
giving form to other substances which are not decomposed by it,
and to decompose metallic poisons when they have been taken
into the stomach. For this last purpose, a tea cupful of a solu-
tion of soap, in four times its weight of water, may be drunk
every three or four minutes, until a sufficient quantity be taken.
Applied externally, it is a very powerful detergent, and com-
bines the stimulating properties of the 'alkali with the lubricating
nature of the oil. In this way it often proves a powerful discu-
Uent, and a useful application to sprains and^bruises.
S.— Scilla Maritima. 609
Officinal Prepaha<tions.
Tinctura saponis, E. - - vide Tinctures.
saponis cum opio, E. - Idem,
Linimentum saponis, L. D. - Idem*
Spiritus ammoniae sue. L. D. - Tinctura: volatile*.
Pilulae aloeticae, E. - - - Piluks.
aloes cum assa fectida, E. - Idem.
scillit. L. D. - - - Idem.
stibii composite, D. Idem.
Ceratum saponis, L. D. - - Unguenta.
Emplastrum saponis, E. L. D. - Idem.
SARSAPARILLA. - - Vide Smilax.
SASSAFRAS. - - Vide Laurus Sassafras.
SCAMMONIUM. - - Vide Convolvulus.
SCILLA MARITIMA. Radix. Ed.
Scilla. L. D.
Squill. The root.
Willd. g. 640. sp. 1 . Hexandria Monogynia. — Nat. ord. Liliaceiv-
D. Zeeajuin, Squille. P. Cebola alvarraa.
DA. Skille, Strandlbgrod. POL. Cobula zamorska.
F. Salle, Oignon marin. R. Luk morskii.
G. Meerziviebcl. S. Ce bulla alburrana.
I. Scilla, Cifiolta marina. SW. Skilla, Hafslb.
The squill is a perennial bulbous-rooted plant, which grows
wild on the sandy shores of Spain, Portugal, north of Africa, and
the Levant.
The root is about the size of the fist, pear-shaped, with the
apex upwards, and consists of fleshy scales, attenuated at both
edges, surrounded by other scales, which are arid, shining, and
so thin that the root at first sight seems to be tunicated. The
recent roots are full of a white viscid juice, have scarcely any
smell, but a very bitter, nauseous, and extremely acrid, taste.
Rubbed on the skin, it inflames and blisters.
It is more commonly met with in the shops, in the form of the
4 H
610 Materia Medica.
dried scales, which should be brittle, semi-pellucid, smooth, but
marked with lines, and when chewed, should feel tenacious, and
taste very bitter, without manifest acrimony.
The active constituent of the squill is the acrid principle; and,
therefore, it becomes almost inert by too much drying, or by be-
ing kept too long in the form of powder. It also contains bitter
extractive, much mucilage, albumen, and starch.
Medical use. — Given internally in large doses, it produces
purging and vomiting, sometimes even strangury, bloody urine,
inflammation and erosion of the stomach. In smaller doses it
proves an useful expectorant and diuretic, and it is said to lessen
the frequency of the pulse.
Squill is sometimes given as a general stimulant in typhus,
especially to cattle. But it is much more frequently exhibited as
an expectorant where the lungs are loaded with viscid matter,
and as a diuretic in dropsical cases, for which purpose it is com-
monly conjoined with calomel.
The dose of squill is one or two grains three or four times
a-day; and the most commodious form for the taking of squills,
unless when designed as an emetic, is that of a bolus, or pill:
liquid forms are to most people too offensive, though these may
be rendered less disagreeable both to the palate and stomach by
the addition of aromatic distilled waters.
Officinal Preparations.
Acetum scillse, L. D. - - vide Aceta medicata.
Conserva scillae, L. Conserves
Mel scillse, L. D. - - - - Mella medicata.
Oxymel scillae, L. Idem,
Pilulae scillse^ E. L. D. - Pilulce.
Scilla maritima exsiccata, E. L. D.
Syrupus scilla? maritime, E. Syrupi.
Tinctura scillse, L. D. - - - Tincturce.
SCILLA MARITIMA EXSICCATA, Ed.
Dried Sea SquilL
Scill,e Exsicgatio. L. Scillse Pr^parat^;. D.
The Drying of SquilL Prepared Squills.
Cut the root of the sea-squill, after having removed its external
coat, transversely into thin slices, and dry it by a gentle heat.
The sign of its being properly dried is, that although rendered,
friable, it retains its bitterness and acrimony. (E.)
By this method the squill dries much sooner than when its se*
S. — Sinapis. 611
\*eral coats are only separated; the internal part being here laid
bare, which, in each of the entire coats, is covered with a thin
skin, which impedes the exhalation of the moisture. The root
loses in this process four fifths of its original weight; the parts
which exhale with a moderate heat appear to be merely watery:
hence six grains of the dry root are equivalent to half a drachm
of it when fresh; a circumstance to be particularly regarded in
the exhibition of this medicine. But if too great heat has been
employed to dry it, it becomes almost inert, and it also loses by
long keeping in the state of powder.
Dried squills furnish us with a medicine, sometimes advanta-
geously employed as an emetic, often as an expectorant, but
still more frequently as a powerful diuretic.
SILENE VIRGINICA.
Ground Pink.
This species of silene or catch-fly, is abundant in many parts
©f the United States. Some of the Indians say it is a poisonous
plant. In decoction, the root has been found a very efficacious an-
thelmintic*
SINAPIS.
Willd.g. 1246. Tetradynamia Siliquosa. — Nat. ord. Siliquosq:.
D. Mosterd. P. Mos tarda.
DA. Sene/i. POL. Gorrozyka.
F.
Graine de Moutardc.
R.
Gortschiza
G.
Senfsaat.
S.
Mostaza.
I.
Mostarda, Senafia.
sw.
Senafi.
SINAPIS ALBA. Sp. 4. Semen. Ed.
Sinapis. D.
White Mustard. The seeds.
SINAPIS NIGRA. Sp. 5. Sinapis. Semen. L.
Common mustard. The seeds.
These plants are both annual, both grow wild in England, and
possess similar virtues.
* Barton's Collections, Part I. p 39.
4
612 Materia Medica.
They produce small round compressed seeds, which have an
acrid bitterish taste, and a pungent smell when reduced to powder.
The common mustard has blackish seeds, and is more pungent
than the white.
They impart their taste and smell in perfection to aqueous li-
quors, whilst rectified spirit extracts extremely little of either: the
whole of the pungency arises with water in distillation. Commit-
ted to the press, they yield a considerable quantity of a soft insipid
oil, perfectly void of acrimony: the cake left after the expression,
is more pungent than the mustard itself.
Medical use, — Mustard-seed is swallowed entire, to the quan-
tity of a table spoonful or more, to stimulate the stomach in some
cases of dyspepsia, and to excite the peristaltic motion of the in-
testines, especially when they are torpid, as in paralysis. The
powder made into a paste with water, is commonly used as a con-
diment with animal food; infused in water, it proves emetic when
taken in considerable doses, and in smaller ones, acts as a diuretic
and aperient; but it is more frequently applied externally as a topi-
cal stimulus, made into a paste or sinapism with vinegar and bread-
crumb.
Officinal Preparations.
Oleum sinapis, L. D. - - - vide Oleafixa.
Cataplasma sinapis, L. D. - - - Cataplasmata,
Emplastrum meloes vesic. compositum, E. - Unguenta,
SISYMBRIUM NASTURTIUM. Herba.Ed.
Nasturtium Aojjaticum. Herba recens. L..D.
Common water-cresses. The recent herb.
Willd, g, 1238. sp, 1, Tetradynamia Siliquosa, — Nat. ord.
Siliquosce,
This plant is perennial, and grows wild in clear springs and
rivulets throughout Britain. Its leaves remain green all the year,
but are in greatest perfection in the spring. They have a quick
pungent smell (when rubbed betwixt the fingers,) and an acrid
taste, similar to that of scurvy-grass, but weaker. By drying or
boiling, it loses its sensible qualities entirely.
Medical use, — It acts as a gentle stimulant and diuretic: for
these purposes, the expressed juice, which contains the peculiar
taste and pungency of the herb, may be taken in doses of an
ounce or two, and continued for a considerable time.
S. — Smilax Sarsaparilla. 613
SIUM NODIFLORUM. Sium. Herba. L.
Creeping skerrit. The herb,
Willd. g. 544. sp. 4. Pentandria Digynia. — Nat. ord. Umbellate.
This plant is perennial, and grows wild in rivers and ditches
in England. It was formerly alleged to be not only a diuretic, but
also an emmenagogue and lithontriptic. With these intentions,
however, it is not now employed. Dr. Withering mentions, that
a young lady of six years ol'd was cured of an obstinate cutaneous
disease by taking three large spoonfuls of the juice twice a-day;
and he adds, that he has given repeatedly to adults three or four
ounces every morning, in similar complaints. In such doses it
neither affects the head, stomach, nor bowels. Children take it
readily when mixed with milk.
SMILAX SARSAPARILLA. Radix. Ed.
Sarsaparilla. L. D.
Sarsaparilla. The root.
Dioccia Hexandria. — Nat. ord. Sarmentacea.
This root is brought from the Spanish West-Indies. It consists
i of a great number of long strings hanging from one head: the
I long roots, the only part made use of, are of a blackish colour
I; on the outside, and white within, about the thickness of a goose-
I quill, or thicker, flexible, composed of a very small woody heart,
I surrounded with fibres running their whole length, which ren-
ders them extremely apt to split. They have a glutinous, bit-
| terish, not ungrateful taste, and no smell. Inferior kinds of this
I root are also sold. They are in general thicker, of a paler colour
t on the outside, and less white within, with a much thicker woody
heart. Neumann got from 960 grains, 360 watery, and 10 alcoho-
lic, extract, and inversely 240 alcoholic, and 120 watery.
Medical use. — It was first brought into Europe by the Spa-
niards, about the year 1563, with the character of being a specific
for the cure of the lues venerea, a disease which made its ap-
pearance a little before that time, and likewise of several obstinate
hronic disorders. It is, however, a very inert mucilaginous
ubstance; and the diaphoresis, which it is sometimes supposed
o produce, is entirely owing to the warm and diluent regimen
mployed at the same time.
Officii al Preparation.
Decoctum sarsaparilla?, E. L. D. - - vide Decocta.
614 Materia Medica.
SODA.— SODA.
D. Souda. p. Soldcti Barrilht.
DA. Soda. R. Solianka.
F. Sottck, Barille. S. Sosa, Socta, Barrilla.
G. SoJa, Barrilla. SW. 5o7/(/a, Sotfa.
I. SWa, Barriglia.
Soda is got in the form of solid plates, of a greyish-white
colour, urinous taste, and burning causticity; acting with consi-
derable violence on animal matter. When a certain, quantity of
water is thrown upon it, it absorbs and solidifies it, with the dis-
engagement of caloric, and a lixivial smell; a larger quantity dis-
solves it; it absorbs from the atmosphere moisture and carbonic
acid, becoming less caustic. In the fire it melts like an oily sub-
stance; boils, and is converted into vapour; but is incombustible:
it is crystallizable into transparent prismatic crystals. It changes
vegetable blues to green; unites with all the acids, oils, sulphur,
sulphuretted hydrogen, phosphorus, many metallic oxides, and
the earths. It forms the basis of rock-salt and sea-salt; is obtain-
ed from the ashes of marine plants, and exists in some minerals.
CARBONAS SODiE IMPURUS. Ed.
Barilla. L. D.
Impure carbonate of soda. Barilla. Fixed mineral Alkali.
Soda is a very common mineral production. It is the basis of
sea salt; and combined with carbonic acid, it is found on the sur-
face of the earth in Egypt, Syria, Barbary, Hungary, &.c. and is
obtained by the incineration of marine vegetables, especially the
salsola soda and kali, the salicornia herbacea, &c. The Spaniards
even cultivate these in salt marshes for the sake of the soda. Af-
ter being cut down, they are dried like hay. A deep pit is then
prepared, and a bundle or two of the dried vegetables set on fire
are thrown into it. When well kindled, other bundles are thrown
in until the pit is filled. When the incineration is completed, the
soda is found in the bottom, caked into a solid mass, which is
worked like a stony substance. When good, it is firm, hard, heavy,
dry, sonorous, spongy, and internally of a blue colour mixed with
white spots, does not deliquesce, emits no unpleasant smell on
solution, and does not leave a large proportion of insoluble mat-
ter. Incinerated soda is mixed with potash, muriate of soda, and
other saline matters; mineral soda with clay and other earthy
substances. The Egyptian soda was reckoned the best; then the
S. — Soda. — Carbonas S. Impurus. 615
Spanish (Barilla); afterwards the Carthaginian; and that prepared
from different species of fuci (kelp), is the worst.
But all these carbonated sodas are inferior in purity to those
now manufactured in Britain, by decomposing the sulphate of
soda.
That commonly used, is obtained by the bleachers as a resi-
duum in their method of preparing oxygenized muriatic acid, by
decomposing muriate of soda with sulphuric acid and the black
oxide of manganese.
The sulphate of soda is decomposed,
1. By carbonate of potass. Mr. Accum has described the
manipulations of this mode. A boiling concentrated so-
lution of about 560 pounds of American potashes is ladled
into a boiling solution of 500 pounds of sulphate of soda,
agitated together, and the whole quickly heated to ebulli-
tion. It is then drawn off into leaden cisterns, lined with
thick sheet-lead, and allowed to cool in a temperature
which should not exceed 55°.
The fluid is then drawn off, and the mass of salt washed
with cold water, to free it from impurities, and again put
into the boiler with clean water. This second solution is
also evaporated at a low heat, as long as any pellicles of
sulphate of potass form on its suiface, and fall to the bot-
tom of the fluid. The fire is then withdrawn, and the
fluid ladled out into the cistern to crystallize. Unless the
fluid be allowed to cool pretty low before it is removed
to crystallize, the salt obtained will contain sulphate of
potass.
2. By acetate of lime. The acetous acid for this purpose is
obtained by distillation from wood, during its conversion
into charcoal.
3. By litharge or sub-acetate of lead. Very pure carbonate
of soda is prepared by this process in the vicinity of Edin-
burgh.
4. By decomposing the sulphuric acid bv charcoal. About
500 wt. of sulphate of soda, and 100 wt. of charcoal
are ground together, and the mixture exposed in a rever-
beratory furnace until it becomes pasty. It is then trans-
ferred into large casks, and lixiviated. The ley is after-
wards evaporated and crystallized. By this or a similar
process, very pure carbonate of soda is manufactured in
the west of Scotland.
On the continent, muriate of soda is sometimes decomposed
by potass, and sometimes by lime.
Carbonate of soda is an article of the greatest importance in
many manufactures.
616 Materia Medica,
Medical use, — In medicine, it possesses similar virtues with
the carbonate of potass; and from its crystailizability and efflo-
rescence when exposed to the air, it is preferable to it, because its
dose may be more accurately ascertained, and it may be given
cither in the form of powder, or made up into pills.
Officinal Preparation.
Carbonas sodae, E. L. D.
CARBONAS SODiE; olim, Sal Alkalinus Fixus Fosilis
PURIFICATUS. Ed.
Carbonate of Soda, formerly Purified Fixed Fossil Alkaline Salt,
Natron PrvEparatum. L. Alkali Fossile Mite. D.
Prepared Natron, Mild Fossil Alkali.
Take of
Impure carbonate of soda, any quantity.
Bruise it; then boil in water till all the salt be dissolved. Strain
the solution through paper, and evaporate it in an iron vessel,
so that after it has cooled, the salt may crystallize. (E. )
These directions are principally intended for the purification
of the Spanish barilla, which is a fused mass, consisting indeed
principally of carbonate of soda, but also containing charcoal,
earths, and other salts. From the two first causes of impurity it is
easily separated by solution and filtration, and the salts may be
separated by taking advantage of their different solubility in cold
and in hot water. Frequently the soda does not crystallize freely,
from not being saturated with carbonic acid, which is the reason
why the London college order the solution to be exposed to the
atmosphere for eight days, that it may absorb carbonic acid, be-
fore they attempt the crystallization of the salts. But the prepara-
tion of carbonate of soda, by the decomposition of sulphate of
soda, has now become a manufacture, and is carried to such per-
fection, that its further purification is almost unnecessary for the
purposes of the apothecary.
Officinal Preparations.
Aqua super-carbonatis sodae, E.
Phosphas sodae, E.
Tartris potassae et sodae, E. L. D.
Carbonas ferri praecip. E. - - - vide Ferrn?n,
§.— Soda.— Phosphas Sodas. 617
CARBONAS SODiE SICCATUM.Z)w£.
Dried Carbonate of Soda*
Liquefy, over the fire, crystals of carbonate of soda, m a silver
crucible, and then, increasing the heat, stir the liquefied salt,
until, by the consumption of the water, it become dry. Reduce
it to fine powder, and keep it in close vessels.
Carbonate of soda, deprived of its water of crystallization,
is a very excellent remedy, for which we are indebted to Dr.
Beddoes: he desires it to be prepared by simply exposing the
pounded crystals before the fire; which appears to be preferable
to the process directed by the Dublin college, in which much
of the carbonic acid may be expelled. By simple efflorescence,
crystallized carbonate of soda loses more than half its weight,
and falls down into a fine permanent powder. Whenever soda
is prescribed in the form of pills, the effloresced carbonate is to
be used, as, when made of the crystallized salt, they crack, and
fall to pieces by the action of the air upon them.
Medical use. — Dr. Beddoes first recommended the powder of
effloresced soda, in calculous complaints, as a substitute for the
super-carbonated alkaline waters, when these produced giddi-
ness, or were too expensive; but its use has since been extend-
ed much farther; and it is found to be, not only an excellent
antacid, but seems almost to possess specific virtues in affections
of the urinary organs. One or two scruples may be given, in the
course of the day, in the form of powder, or in pills, made up
with soap and some aromatics.
AQUA SUPER-CARBONATIS SOD^. Ed.
Water of Super-Carbonate of Soda.
This is prepared from ten pounds of water, and two ounces of
carbonate of soda, in the same manner as the water of super-
carbonate of potass. (E.)
By super-saturating soda with carbonic acid, it is rendered
more agreeable to the palate, and may be taken in larger quan-
tities, without affecting the stomach.
I
PHOSPHAS SODiE. Ed.
Phosphate of Soda.
Take of
Bones burnt to whiteness, and powdered, ten pounds;
Sulphuric acid, six pounds;
Water, nine pounds.
41
618 Materia Medica.
Mix the powder with the sulphuric acid in an earthen vessel;
then add the water, and mix again. Then place the vessel in a
vapour bath, and digest for three days; after which dilute the
mass with nine pounds more of boiling water, and strain the
liquor through a strong linen cloth, pouring over it boiling
water, in small quantities at a time, until the whole acid be
washed out. Set by the strained liquor, that the impurities
may subside, decant the clear solution, and evaporate it to nine
pounds. To this liquor, poured from the impurities, add car-
bonate of soda, dissolved in warm water, until the eitervescence
cease. Filter the neutralized liquor, and set it aside to crystal-
lize. To the liquor that remains after the crystals are taken
out, add a little carbonate of soda, if necessary, so as to
saturate exactly the phosphoric acid, and dispose the liquor,
by evaporation to form crvstals. Lastly, the crystals are to be
kept in a well-closed vessel. (E.)
The first part of this process consists in destroying the gelatine
of the bones by the action of heat. When burnt to perfect white-
ness, they retain their form, but become friable, and consist of
phosphate of lime, mixed with a very little carbonate of lime and
carbonate of soda. In performing this part of the process, we
must take care not to heat the bones to a bright red, as by it they
undergo a kind of semi-fusion, and give out a phosphoric light.
The complete combustion of the charcoal is facilitated by the
free contact of the air; we must therefore bring every part in suc-
cession to the surface, and break the larger pieces.
In the second part of the process, the phosphate of lime is de-
composed by the sulphuric acid. This decomposition is however
only partial. The sulphuric acid combines with part of the lime,
and forms insoluble sulphate of lime. The phosphoric aeid
separated from that portion of lime, immediately combines with
the rest of the phosphate of lime, and forms super phosphate of
lime, which is not further decomposable by sulphuric acid.
The super-phosphate of lime, thus formed, is soluble in water:
but as the sulphate of lime, with which it is mixed, concretes into
a very solid mass, it is in some measure defended from the action
of water. On this account the whole mass is directed to be di-
gested for three days in vapour, by which means it is thoroughly
penetrated and prepared for solution in the boiling water, which
is afterwards poured on it. It is probably to render the subse-
quent solution easier, that Thenard directs the bone-ashes to be
made into a thin paste {bouillie) with water, before the sulphuric
acid is added to them.
Having thus got a solution of super-phosphate of lime, it is
next decomposed by carbonate of soda, dissolved in water. This
decomposition, likewise, is only partial, as it deprives the super-
S.— Soda.— Phosphas Sodse. 619
phosphate of lime of its excess of acid only, and reduces it to
the state of phosphate. The phosphate of lime, being insoluble,
is easilv separated by filtration, and the phosphate of soda re-
mains in solution. According to Thenard, the nicest point in the
whole process is the determination of the proper quantity of car-
bonate of soda to be added. As the phosphate of soda does not
crystallize freely unless there be a slight excess of base, he di-
rects that a little more carbonate of soda be added than what is
merely sufficient to saturate the excess of acid in the super-phos-
phate of lime, but not to continue the addition until it cease to.
produce any precipitate. We must also take care not to carry the
evaporation of a solution of phosphate of soda so far as to form
a pellicle, for it then concretes into an irregular mass, and does
not form beautiful crystals. After each crystallization, we must
examine the liquor which remains, and if it be acid, or merely
neutral, add to it a little of the solution of carbonate of soda. In
this way Thenard got from 2100 parts of bone-ashes, 700 of sul-
phuric acid, and 667 of carbonate of soda, 885 of phosphate of
soda. According to Fourcrov, phosphate of lime consists of 0.41
acid and 0.59 lime, and super-phosphate of iime, of 0.54 acid and
0.46 lime,- phosphate of lime, treated with sulphuric acid, is only
deprived of 0.24 lime, and changed into 0.76 of super-phosphate,
consisting of 0.59 phosphate of lime, and 0.17 phosphoric acid,
and it is only with this portion of acid that we are able to com-
bine soda. Fourcroy is also of opinion that phosphate of lime re-
quires only 0.4 of its weight of sulphuric acid to decompose it,
whereas 0.6 are employed by the Edinburgh college, and others
use even 0.7. This is not only, therefore, a waste of acid, but
renders the product impure, by being mixed with sulphate of soda,
which is sometimes actually the case in the phosphate of soda of
commerce. Besides, as bone-ashes are of very little value, it is
better that a portion of them should escape undecomposed, than
that an excess of acid should be added to them.
Mr. Funcke, of Linz, has discovered a still more economical
and expeditious method. It consists in saturating the excess of
lime in calcined bones with diluted sulphuric acid, and then dis-
solving the remaining phosphate of lime in nitric acid. To this
solution he adds an equal quantity of sulphate of soda, and then
recovers the nitric acid by distillation. The phosphate of soda is
then separated from the sulphate of lime, by the affusion of water
and crystallization.
Phosphate of soda crystallizes in rhomboidal prisms, terminat-
ed by three-sided pyramids. Its taste resembles that of common
salt. At 60° it is soluble in four parts of water, and at 212° in
two. It effloresces in the air. By heat it undergoes the watery
fusion, and at last melts into a white mass. It consists according
to Thenard, of 15 phosphoric acid, 19 soda, and 66 water of crys-
620 Materia Medica.
tallization. It is decomposed by most of the salts having an earthy
base.
Medical use. — Phosphate of soda was introduced into the prac-
tice of physic by the ingenious Dr. Pearson of Leicester square,
London. It possesses the same medical qualities as sulphate of
soda, and the tartrate of potass and soda, being an excellent purge
in the quantity of an ounce or ten drachms; and has the peculiar
advantage over these two salts of being much less nauseous than
they are. Its taste is extremely similar to that of common salt}
and when given in a bason of water-gruel, or veal-broth made
without salt, it is scarcely perceptible by the palate, and conse-
quently is well adapted for patients whose stomachs are delicate,
and who have an antipathy against the other salts. The only objec-
tion to its general use is the very great diiference between its
price and that of sulphate of soda, a difference which might
certainly be diminished.
SULPHAS SODjE; olim, Sal Glauberi. Ed.
Sulphate of Soda; formerly Glauber's Salt.
Natron Vitriolatum. L. Alkali Fossile Vitrio-
latum. D.
Vitriolated Natron. Vitriolated Fossil Alkali.
Dissolve the acidulous salt which remains after the distillation of
muriatic acid, in water; and having mixed chalk with it to re-
move the superfluous acid, set it aside until the sediment sub-
sides, then evaporate the liquor decanted from them, and strain
through paper, so that it may crystallize. (E.)
The observations made respecting the different methods fol-
lowed by the colleges, for extracting sulphate of potass from the
residuum of the distillation of nitrous acid, apply in the present in-
stance, except that the Edinburgh college do not preserve the
superabundant acid when present, by saturating it with carbonate
of soda, but get rid of it by saturating it with carbonate of lime,
with which it forms an insoluble sulphate of lime. In fact, the
price of sulphate of soda is so very small, that it would be no
economy to use carbonate of soda to saturate the superabundant
acid.
By far the greatest part of the sulphate of soda is obtained from
manufacturers, as a result of processes -performed for the sake of
other substances, as in the preparation of muriate of ammonia,
oxygenized muriatic acid, &c. It may be economically obtained
by making into a paste with a sufficient quantity of water, eight
S._ Soda.— Tartris Potassse et Sodae. 621
parts of burnt gypsum, five of clay, and five of muriate of soda.
This mixture is burnt in a kiln or oven, then ground to powder,
diffused in a sufficient quantity of water, and after being strained,
is evaporated and crystallized.
Sulphate of soda crystallizes in six-sided prisms, terminated
by dihedral summits. The crystals are often irregular, and their
sides are usually channeled. Their taste is at first salt, and
afterwards disagreeably bitter. They are soluble in 2.67 parts of
water at 60°, and in 0.8 at 212°. In the air they effloresce. They
undergo the watery fusion, and in a red heat melt. They consist
of 22.52 sulphuric'acid, 18.48 soda, and 58 water; when dried at
700°, of 56 acid and 44 soda. It is decomposed by baryta and
potass, and salts containing these bases, and by the salts of silver,
mercury, and lead.
Medical use. — Taken from half an ounce to an ounce, or more,
it proves a mild and useful purgative; and in smaller doses, large-
ly diluted, a serviceable aperient and diuretic. It is commonly
given in solution, but it may also be given in powder, after it has
effloresced. In this form the dose must be reduced to one half.
TARTRIS POTASSiE et SODjE. Ed.
Tartrite of Potass and Soda, formerly Rochelle Salt.
Natron Tartarisatum. L. Sal Rupellensis. D.
Tartarised Natron* Rochelle Salt.
Take of
Natron, twenty ounces;
Crystals of tartar, powdered, two pounds;
Distilled water, boiling, ten pints.
Dissolve the natron in the water, and gradually add the crystals
of tartar: filter the liquor through paper; evaporate, and set it
aside to crystallize. (L. D.)
The tartaric acid in several instances is capable of entering
into combination at the same time with two bases. In the present
example, the superabundant acid of the super-tartrate of potass
is neutralized with soda, and in place of a mixture of tartrate of
potass and tartrate of soda, each possessing their own properties,
there results a triple salt, having peculiar properties.
The tartrate of potass and soda forms large and very regular
crystals, in the form of prisms with eight sides nearly equal,
which are often divided longitudinally, almost through their
axis. It has a bitter taste. It is soluble in about five parts of
water, and effloresces in the air. It is decomposed by the strong
acids, which combine with the soda, and separate super-tartrate
622 Materia Medica.
of potass, and by baryta and lime. By heat its acid is destroyed.
It consists of 54 tartrate of potass, and 46 tartrate of soda.
Medical use. — It was introduced into medical practice by M.
Seignette, an apothecary at Rochtlle, whose name it long bore.
It is still frequently employed; and though less agreeable than the
phosphate of soda, it is much more so than the sulphate of soda.
It is less purgative than these, and must be given in larger doses.
SOLANUM DULCAMARA. Dulcamara. Stipites. D.
Bitter-sweet. The twigs.
Willd. g. 383. sp. 15. Pentandria Monogynia. — Nat. ord. Sola*
nacex.
\
This plant grows wild in moist hedges, has woody brittle
stalks, and climbs on the bushes. The taste of the twigs and
roots, as the name of the plant expresses, is both bitter and
sweet; the bitterness being first perceived, and the sweetness af-
terwards.
Medical use.* — The dulcamara was formerly much esteemed as
a powerful medicine. It is in general said to occasion some con-
siderable evacuation by sweat, urine, or stool, particularly the
latter. It has been recommended as a discutient and resolvent
medicine; and it has been said to be attended with good effects
in obstinate cutaneous diseases of the herpetic kind. It has also
been used, and sometimes with advantage, in cases of rheuma-
tism, jaundice, and obstructed menstruation. It has principally
been employed under the form of watery infusion, sometimes
under that of extract.
SOLIDAGO VIRGA AUREA. Virga Aurea.
Flores. Folia. D.
Golden rod. The flowers and leaves.
Syngenesia Superflua. — Nat. ord. Composite radiatce.
This plant is perennial, and is found wild on heaths and in
woods, producing spikes of yellow flowers in August. The leaves
have a moderately astringent bitter taste; and hence prove ser-
viceable in debility and laxity of the viscera, and disorders pro-
ceeding from that cause.
S.— Spartium.— Spigelia. 623
SPARTIUM SCOPARIUM. Summitries. Ed.
Genista. Semina. D. Cacumen. Semen. L.
Common broom. The tops and seeds.
Diadelphia Decandria. — Nat. ord. Papilionacea.
This is a very common shrub on dry pastures.
The leaves have a very bitter taste, and when given in decoc-
tions prove considerably diuretic. The seeds have similar pro-
perties.
Officinal Preparation.
Extractum genistae, L. vide Extracta.
SPERMACETI. - - - Vide Physeter.
SPIGELIA MARILANDICA. Radix. Ed.
Spigelia. L. D.
Carolina Pink. The root.
Willd.g. 308. sp. 2. Pentandria Monogynia. — Nat. ord. Stellatx.
This plant is perennial, and grows wild in the southern parts
of North America. The roots are celebrated as an anthelmintic,
particularly lor the expulsion of lumbrici from the alimentary
canal. Some order it in doses of ten or fifteen grains; and allege
I it is apt to occasion nervous affections if given in large doses;
while others order it in drachm doses, alleging that the bad
effects mentioned more readily happen from small doses, as the
ge one often purge or puke; some prefer the form of infusion.
An emetic is generally premised; and its purgative effect assisted
by some suitable addition. Infused in wine, it has been found use-
ful in intermitting fevers. This plant in some parts of Carolina is
known by the name of Snake-root. It is the Unsteetla of the
Cherokee Indians. Every part is possessed of the anthelmintic
prop rty, though the roots are most active. It often affords re-
lief and effects a cure, in cases where no worms are discharged;
!and it is. supposed by Dr. Barton, that it will be found highly
usetul in some febrile diseases of children unaccompanied by
worms, especially in the insidious remittent which so frequently
lays the foundation of dropsy of the brain.*
* Barton's Collections, Part I. p. 37 59
624 Materia Medicd.
SPIRAEA TRIFOLIATA.
Indian Physic. Ipecacuanha, £s?c.
This shrub grows plentifully in the United States, and is one
of the few active plants of the class icosandria. The root, the
part employed, consists, like that of the officinal ipecacuanha, of
a bark, and woody part. The active power seems to reside ex-
clusively in the bark. It is a safe and efficacious emetic in doses
of about 30 grains. It also seems to possess a tonic power, and
has accordingly been thought peculiarly beneficial in intermit-
tent fever. It is sometimes very injudiciously employed by the
country people, insomuch that they are obliged to apply for me-
dical aid to remove the debility induced by the large doses of
the root which they employ. Another species, it is said, grows
in Kentucky, which is still more valuable, as an emetic, than the
©ne under notice. f
SPIRITUS DESTILLATI.
DISTILLED SPIRITS.
The flavour and virtues of distilled waters are owing, as has
been observed, to their being impregnated with a portion of the
essential oil of the subject from which they are drawn. Alcohol,
considered as a vehicle for these oils, has this advantage above
water, that it keeps all the oil that rises with it perfectly dissolved
into an uniform limpid liquor.
Nevertheless, many substances, which, on being distilled with
water, impart to it their virtues in great perfection; if treated in
the same manner with alcohol, scarcely give over to it any smell
or taste. The cause of this difference is, that alcohol is not sus-
ceptible of so great a degree of heat as water. It is obvious
therefore, that substances may be volatile enough to rise with the
heat of boiling water, but not with that of boiling alcohol.
Thus, if cinnamon, for instance, be committed to distillation
with a mixture of alcohol and water, or with a pure proof spirit,
which is no other than a mixture of about equal parts of the two;
the alcohol will rise first clear, colourless, and transparent, and
f Barton's Collections, Part I. p. 26. P,art II. p. 39.
S.— Spiritus Destillati. 62.5
almost without any taste of the spice; but as soon as the more
ponderous watery fluid begins to arise, the oil comes freely over
with it, so as to render the liquor highly odorous, sapid, and of a
milky hue.
The proof spirits usually met with in the shops are accompa-
nied with a degree of ill flavour; which, though concealed by
means of certain additions, plainly discovers itself in distillation.
This nauseous flavour does not begin to arise till after the purer
spiritous part has come over; which is the very time that the vir-
tues of the ingredients begin also to arise most plentifully; and
hence the liquor receives an ungrateful taint. To this cause prin-
cipally is owing the general complaint, that the cordials of the
apothecary are less agreeable than those of the same kind, pre-
pared by the distiller; the 'latter being extremely curious in rec-
tifying or purifying the spirits (when designed for what he calls
fine goods) from all unpleasant flavour.
SPIRITUS CARI CARVI. Ed.
Spiritus Carvi. L. D.
Spirit of Caraxvay.
Take of
Caraway seeds, half a pound;
Diluted alcohol, nine pounds.
Macerate two days in a close vessel; then pour on as much water
as will prevent empyreuma, and draw off by distillation nine
pounds. (E.)
In the same manner is prepared the same quantity of spirit
from
Spiritus
' Lauri Cinnamomi. E.
Cinnamon, one pound.
b Cinnamomi. L. D.
r, . . l j u if f Mentha Piperita. E.
Peppermint, one pound and a hair. - „.} .... y
Spearmint, one pound and a half. Mentha sativce. L.
Pennyroyal, dried, a pound and a
half. Pulegii. L.
tr * 11 u j * f Myristicce moschata. E.
Nutmeg, well bruised, two ounces. < XTy . , , T ~
°' (_ Nucis moschatce. L. D.
Pimento, half a pound. - - -{JS^J^JJ^
4 K
626 Materia Medica.
SPIRITUS LAVENDUL.E SPICjE. Ed.
Spirit of Lavender.
Spiritus Lavendul^. L. D.
Spirit of Lavender.
Take of
Flowering spikes of lavender, fresh gathered, two pounds;
Alcohol, eight pounds.
Draw off by the heat of boiling water, seven pounds. (E.)
Officinal Preparations.
Spiritus lavendulae comp. E. L. D. vide Tincturce.
Linimentum camph. comp. L. D. - Tincturce volatiles.
By these directions, and in the same quantities, are prepared,
SPIRITUS RORISMARINI OFFICINALIS. Ed.
Spiritus Rorismarini. L.
Spirit of Rosemary.
F&om two pounds of the flowering tops.
Officinal Preparation.
Linimentum saponis comp. L. vide Tincturce.
We think it unnecessary to make particular observations on
each of these simple spirits, as their virtues are the same with
those of the substances from which they are extracted, united to
the stimulus of the alcohol. The alcohol in the spirits of laven-
der and rosemary, is almost pure; in the others it is diluted with
about an equal weight of water.
SPIRITUS ANISI COMPOSITUS. L.
Compound Spirit of Aniseed.
Take of
Aniseed,
Angelica seed, of each, bruised, half a pound;
Proof spirit, one gallon;
Water, sufficient to prevent empyreuma.
Draw off one gallon by distillation. (L.)
This compound spirit, like the simple ones, is an agreeable
cordial; indeed too agreeable, for by some they are so often re-
sorted to, on the slightest sensation of flatulence in the stomach,
that their use is attended with all the pernicious consequences of
dram-drinking.
S.— Spiritus Destillati. 627
SPIRITUS JUNIPERI COMMUNIS COMPO-
SITUS. Ed.
Spiritus Juniperi Compositus. L. D.
Compound Spirit of Juniper.
Take of
Juniper berries, well bruised, one pound j
Caraway seeds,
Sweet fennel seeds, each one ounce and a half;
Diluted alcohol, nine pounds;
Water, sufficient to prevent empyreuma.
Macerate two days, and draw off nine pounds. (E. D.)
The good and bad effects of this spirit exactly coincide with
those of gin.
SPIRITUS RAPHANI COMPOSITUS. L. D.
Compound Spirit of Horse-Radish.
Take of
Fresh horse-radish root,
Dried outer rind of Seville oranges, each two pounds;
Fresh herb of garden scurvy-grass, four pounds;
Bruised nutmegs, one ounce;
Proof spirit, two gallons;
Water sufficient to prevent empyreuma.
Draw off two gallons. (L.)
Although this process may furnish an agreeable compound
spirit, yet it is much to be doubted whether it possesses those an-
ti-scorbutic powers for which it was once celebrated.
ALCOHOL AMMONIATUM FCETIDUM. Ed.
Spiritus Ammonia Foetidus. L.
Fetid Spirit of Ammonia.
Spiritus Alcali Volatilis Foetidus. D.
Fetid Spirit of Volatile Alkali.
Take of
Spirit of ammonia, eight ounces,
Assa fcetida, half an ounce.
Digest in a close vessel twelve hours; then distil off, with the heat
of boiling water, eight ounces.
This spirit, which is easily prepared, is designed as an anti-
628 Materia Medica.
hysteric, and is undoubtedly a very elegant one. Volatile spi-
rits, impregnated for these purposes with different fetids, have
been usually kept in the shops; the ingredient here chosen, is the
best calculated of any for general use, and equivalent in virtue to
them all. The spirit is pale when newly distilled, but acquires a
considerable tinge by keeping.
SPONGIA OFFICINALIS. Ed.
Spongia. L. D.
Sponge.
CI. Zoophyte Ord. Spongia.
Sponge is principally found in the Mediterranean and Red
seas. It was long supposed to be a vegetable production, but it is
now universally allowed to belong to that remarkable class of
animals called Zoophytes, which are negatively characterized by
Cuvier, as having no vertebrae, no sanguiferous vessels, no spinal
marrow, and no articulated limbs. The sponges belong to that
division of the zoophytes, which are attached to a solid trunk,
and are particularized by their base being spongy, friable, or
fibrous.
Sponge is a soft, light, very porous and compressible substance.
Medical use. — It adheres strongly to the mouths of wounded
vessels; and when retained by proper compression, it is prefer-
able to agaric or puff-ball, for stopping hemorrhagies.
From its property of imbibing and distending by moisture it is
sometimes made use of as a tent for dilating wounds and ulcers.
To fit it for these intentions, the sponge is immersed in melted
wax, and subjected to pressure till cool. In this state it may be
easily formed into proper tents, so as to be introduced where ne-
cessary. And from the gradual melting of the wax in consequence
of the heat of the part, a dilatation of course takes place.
Burnt sponge is nothing else than charcoal mixed with a little
muriate of soda and phosphate of lime. Its use has been again
lately much celebrated in the cure of Bronchocele.
PULVIS SPONGIjE UST.E. D. Spongia Ustio. L.
Powder of Burnt Sponge. The Burning of Sponge.
Cut the sponge in pieces, and bruise it, so as to free it from small
stones; burn it in a close iron vessel, until it becomes black and
friable; afterwards reduce it to a very fine powder. (L. D.)
S. — Stalagmitis Cambogioides. 629
This medicine has been in use for a considerable time, and
employed against scrofulous disorders and cutaneous foulnesses,
in doses of a scruple and upwards. Its virtues probably depend
on the presence of a little alkali. It also contains charcoal; and
its use may be entirely superseded by these substances, which
may be obtained in other manners, at a much cheaper rate.
PULVIS QUERCUS MARINE. Dub.
Powder of Tellow Bladder Wrack.
Take of
Yellow bladder wrack, in fruit, any quantity.
Dry and clean it; then expose it to the fire in an iron pot or cru-
cible, covered with a perforated lid, until, after the escape of
the vapours, the mass becomes of a dull red. Reduce the car-
bonaceous mass which remains to very fine powder, and keep
it in close vessels.
This charcoal was formerly known under the name of jEthiop's
Yegetabilis. It is analogous to the preceding article.
STALAGMITIS CAMBOGIOIDES. Murray.
Gambogia. Gummi-resina. Ed. L. D.
The gutn-resin called Gamboge.
Polygamia Moncecia. — Nat. ord. Tricoccar.
D. Gutte Go7n, Gutta gamba, I. Gommagutta.
Gitte gom. P. Goma rom, Goma guta, Gutta
F. Gomme gutte. gamba.
G. Gummigutt. R. Gummi gut.
POL. Gummi gotta. S. Gommagutay Guta ga?nba.
The tree which furnishes the gamboge is of middling size, and
grows wild in the kingdom of Siam and in Ceylon. In Siam the
gum-resin is obtained in drops by breaking the leaves and young
shoots; hence probably its name Gummi-guttae; but in Ceylon it
is extracted from the wood of the tree in the form of a juice,
which soon becomes solid. Gamboge, or at least a very similar
substance, is also got in the same way from different species of
Garcinia, especially the Gambogia, (the Gambogia Gutta of Lin.)
Willd.g. 938. sp. 3. Dodecandria Monogynia, and from different
species of hypericum, especially the bacciferum. It is brought
from the East Indies in large cakes or rolls. The best sort is of a
deep yellow or orange colour, breaks shining, and free from im-
630 Materia Medica.
purities. It has no smell, and very little taste, unless kept in the
mouth for some time, when it impresses a slight sense of acri-
mony. Neumann got from sixteen ounces, fourteen of alcoholic
extract, and one of watery, and inversely thirteen of watery, and
two of alcoholic. He also found it almost entirely soluble in wa-
ter, impregnated with a moderate proportion of fixed alkaline
salt. According to Dr. Duncan's experiments, which confirm
these observations, the watery solution is opaque and yellow.
With alcohol it forms a transparent solution of a bright golden
colour; and the residuum is totally soluble in water. The alco-
holic solution is decomposed by water, becoming yellow and
opaque; but the precipitate remains long suspended, and cannot
be separated by common filtering paper. Gamboge is readily
soluble in solution of potass, acquiring a bright red colour the
moment it is thrown into it, and forming a dark coloured solu-
tion, which is not decomposed by water, but by the addition of
any acid immediately produces a copious yellow precipitate,
very soluble in excess of acid. The residuum is soluble in water.
Ammoniated alcohol dissolves gamboge with similar phenomena.
It is also very soluble, but with decomposition, in acids. The acid
solution is decomposed by water.
Medical Use. — Gamboge evacuates powerfully both upwards
and downwards; some condemn it as acting with too great vio-
lence, and occasioning dangerous hypercatharsis; while others
are of a contrary opinion. Geoffroy seems particularly fond of
this medicine, and informs us, that he has frequently given from
two to four grains, without its proving at all emetic; that from
four to eight grains both vomit and purge without violence; that
its operation is soon over; and that if given in a liquid form, and
sufficiently diluted, it does not need any corrector; that in the
form of a bolus or pill, it is most apt to prove emetic, but very
rarely has this effect if joined along with Calomel. He neverthe-
less cautions against its use where the patients cannot easily bear
vomiting.
It has been used in dropsy with cream of tartar or jalap, or
both, to quicken their operation. It is also recommended by some
to the extent of fifteen grains, with an equal quantity of vegetable
alkali, in cases of the tape-worm. This dose is ordered in the
morning; and if the worm is not expelled in two or three hours,
it is repeated even to the third time with safety and efficacy. It
is asserted, that it has been given to this extent even in delicate
habits*
It is an ingredient, and probably the active one, in most of the
nostrums for expelling taeniae.
S.— Stannum. 631
STANNUM.— TIN.
STANNUM. L.
Limatura et puh is. Ed. D.
D. Tin. P. Estanho.
DA. Tin. POL. Cyna.
F. Etain. R. Olowo.
G. Zinn. S. Estagno, Peltre.
I. Stag-no. SW. 7>*m.
Tin is pure, brilliant, white, sapid, and odorous; specific gra-
vity 7.291 to 7.500, soft, flexible, and emitting a crackling noise
when bent; fusing at 442° Fahrenheit; oxidizes slowly in the air;
is converted, when fused, into a grey oxide; when red hot it burn?
vividly. Its sulphuret and phosphuret are lamellated and brittle;
it forms alloys with arsenic, bismuth, antimony, mercury, and
zinc; it is oxidized by many acids, and combines with the muri-
atic, fluoric, boracic, and carbonic acids. Its oxide is grey or white,
Unites readily with sulphur, and renders glasses opaque.
It is found,
1. Sulphuretted, and combined with copper. Tin-pyrites.
2. Oxidized.
a. Combined with oxide of iron and silica. Common tin-
stone.
b. Combined with oxide of iron and a little arsenic. Fi-
brous tin-stone.
The best tin is found in Cornwall, or is brought from the East-
Indies. Its purity is estimated by its small specific gravity, and
by the crackling noise it makes when bent.
It is now only used as an anthelmintic, especially in cases of
taenia, and probably acts mechanically.
STANNI PULVIS. L. D.
Powder of Tin.
Take of
Tin, four ounces,
Melt it, and take off the scoriae. Then pour it into a clean iron
vessel. Reduce it to powder, either by agitation or trituration;
and pass the fine part of the powder through a hair sieve. (L.)
The College of Edinburgh do not give this preparation, in-
serting Limatura et Pidvis Stanni in their list of the materia
medica.
632 Materia Medica.
Medical use. — It is often employed as a remedy against worms,
particularly the flat kinds, which too often elude the force of other
medicines. The general dose is from a scruple to a drachm; some
confine it to a few grains. But Dr. Alston assures us, in the
Edinburgh Essays, that its success chiefly depends on its being
given in much larger quantities. He directs an ounce of the pow-
der on an empty stomach, mixed with four ounces of melasses;
next day, half an ounce; and the day following, half an ounce
more; after which, a cathartic is administered. He says the
worms are usually voided during the operation of the purge, but
that pains of the stomach occasioned by them are removed almost
immediately upon taking the first dose of the tin. This practice
is sometimes successful in the expulsion of taeniae, but by no
means so frequently as Dr. Alston's observations would lead us
to hope.
Blaine's powder, which certainly succeeds sometimes in cur-
ing the distemper in dogs, seems to be a sulphuretted oxide of tin.
STIBIUM. - - - Vide Antimonium.
STRAMONIUM. - - Vide Datura.
STYRAX.
Willd. g. 85T4. Decandria Monogynta. — Nat. ord. Bicornes.
STYRAX OFFICINALE. Sp. 1. Balsamum. Ed.
Styrax. Resina. L. Styrax Calamita. D.
St or ax. A balsam.
D.
Styrax, Storax.
P. Estoraque, Storaquc
DA.
Storax.
POL. Styrax.
F.
Styrax, Storax.
R. Stirax.
G.
Storax.
S. Estoraque.
I.
Storace.
SW. Storax.
This tree grows in the Levant, and in Italy and France. The
storax flows from wounds made in the bark, in countries where
the heat is sufficient, for neither in-France nor in Italy does it
furnish any.
It is either in small distinct tears, of a whitish or reddish co-
lour, or in large masses composed of such, or in masses of an
S. — Styrax. — S. Benzoin. 633
uniform texture and yellowish red or brownish colour; though
sometimes likewise interspersed with a few whitish grains.
The common storax ot the shops is in large masses, consi-
derably lighter and less compact than the foregoing; it appears on
examination to be composed of a fine resinous juice, mixed with
a quantity of saw-dust.
Storax has an agreeable smell, and an aromatic taste. Neumann
got from 480 grains, 360 alcoholic, and 30 of watery, extract,
and inversely 120 watery, and 240 alcoholic. In distillation it
yielded benzoic acid. It is, therefore, a balsam, or natural com-
bination of resin with benzoic acid.
Officinal Preparations.
Styrax purificata, L. D.
Tinctura benzoes comp. E. L. vide Tinctures.
STYRAX PURIFICATA. L. D.
Purijied Storax.
Dissolve the storax in rectified spirit of wine, and strain the so-
lution; afterwards reduce it to a proper thickness with a gentle
heat. (L. D.)
Storax is a balsam or combination of resin and benzoic acid,
both of which are soluble in alcohol, and neither of them volatile
in the heat necessary for evaporating alcohol. The process for
purifying it is therefore not liable to any chemical objections.
STYRAX BENZOIN. Sp. 3. Balsamum. Ed.
Benzoe. Resina. L. Benzoinum. Resina. D.
Benzoin, a Balsam.
This species grows in Sumatra, and, like the former, also fur-
nishes a balsam on being wounded.
It is brought from the East-Indies only; in large masses com-
posed of white and light brown pieces, or yellowish specks, break-
ing very easily betwixt the hands; such as is whitish, and free
from impurities, is most esteemed.
In its properties it differs from storax, only in containing a
larger proportion of benzoic acid. Neumann found that it ^as
totally soluble in alcohol, forming a blood-red tincture, and that
water extracted no gummy matter, but a notable proportion of
benzoic acid. By sublimation he got two ounces of impure acid
4L
634 Materia Medica.
from sixteen of benzoin. Lime and the alkaline carbonates dis-
solve the acid without attacking the resin, and are accordingly
employed in the processes of Scheele, Gottling, and Gren, for
obtaining the benzoic acid. Dr. Duncan found that the solution
of potass dissolves benzoin 'very rapidly, forming a dark co-
loured solution, mixed with fine crystals of benzoat of potass.
This alkaline solution is not decomposed by water, but forms
with acids a rose-coloured coagulum, easily soluble in excess of
acid. Boiling nitrous acid also attacks benzoin with great vio-
lence, the solution becomes turbid and lets fall a copious preci-
pitate on cooling. It is also decomposed by water, and by alka-
line solutions.
Officinal Preparations.
Acidum benzoicum, E. L. D.
Tinctura benzoes composita, E. L. - vide Tincturce.
ACIDUM BENZOICUM. Ed.
Benzoic Acid.
Flores Benzoes. L. Sal Benzoini. D.
Flowers of Benzoin. Salt of Benzoin.
Take any quantity of the balsam of the styrax benzoin reduced
to powder.
Put it into an earthen vessel, to which, after having covered it
with a paper cone, apply a gentle heat that the acid may sub-
lime. If this be discoloured with oil, let it be purified by so-
lution in warm water, and crystallization. (E.)
Benzoic acid crystallizes in compressed prisms of a pungent
taste and aromatic smell. It is fusible, and evaporates by heat,
for the most part, without change. When brought in contact
with flame, it catches fire, and leaves no residuum. It is per-
manent in the air. It is very sparingly soluble in cold water; but
at 212° it dissolves in about 24 waters. It is also soluble in hot
acetous acid. It is soluble, without change, in alcohol, in concen-
trated sulphuric and nitric acids, and is separated from them by
water.
Benzoates are little known, but generally form feather-shaped
crystals, and are soluble in water.
The distinguished character of balsams is their containing ben-
zoic acid. It may be separated from the resin, which is their
other principal constituent, either by sublimation, or by combin-
ing it with a salifiable base. The manner of effecting it in the first
way, is that prescribed by the pharmacopoeias. But even with the
S. — Acid. Benzoicum. 635
greatest care it is almost impossible to manage the heat so as not
to decompose part of the resin, and thus give rise to the formation
of an empyreumatic oil, which destroys the product. Nor can it
be freed completely from the empyreumatic oil by the solution
and crystallization prescribed by the Edinburgh and Dublin col-
leges, and still less by the second sublimation with clay, directed
by that of London.
The other method of separating benzoic acid from resin, by
combining it with a salifiable base, both gives a larger product,
and of greater purity. It was first practised by Scheele, who em-
ployed lime water; Gottling afterwards used carbonate of potass;
and, lastly, Gren used carbonate of soda, which has been adopted
by the Berlin college.
Take of
» Benzoin, in powder, one pound;
Carbonate of soda, four ounces;
Water, four pounds.
Dissolve the carbonate in the water, and digest the benzoin in
the solution for twenty-four hours with a gentle heat; then boil it
for a quarter of an hour, and filter the solution while hot. After
it cools drop into it sulphuric acid as long as any precipitate is
produced. Separate the precipitate by filtration, and wash it with
cold water. The acid may be crystallized by boiling the precipi-
tate gently in twenty-four times its weight of water, filtering it as
hot and quickly as possible, and setting it aside to crystallize.
But as the crystallized acid, on account of its lightness and elas-
ticity, is not easily reduced to powder, for most purposes it will
be more convenient to keep it in the state of a precipitate.
It may also be extracted from storax, and all the other balsams,
particularly those of Tolu or Peru; and from the urine of children,
and of herbivorous animals.
The benzoic acid has an agreeable taste, and a fragrant smell,
especially when heated. It is soluble in alcohol and in boiling
water, but very sparingly in cold water although it may be sus-
pended in it, by means of sugar, so as to form an elegant balsamic
syrup.
Officinal Preparations.
Tinctura opii camphor. L. D. - vide Tinctnrce.
ammoniata, E. - - Tincture? volatiles.
636 Materia Medica.
SUB-BORAS SODiE. Boras Soda Ed.
Borax. L. D.
Sub-borate of soda. Borax.
D. Boras. P. Borax.
DA. Borax. POL. Bo~aks.
F. Borax. R. Bura, Borakss,
G. Borax. S. Borrax.
I. B or race. SW. Borax.
Borax is found only in Thibet and Persia. It exists in the
water of some wells and lakes, and is extracted from them by
evaporation. In its impure state it is called tinea!, and is brought
from the East-Indies in great masses, composed of a few large
crystals, but chiefly of smaller ones, partly white and partly green,
joined together as it were by a greasy yellow substance, inter-
mixed with sand, small stones, and other impurities. By repeated
solutions, filtrations, and crystallizations, it shoots into hexangu-
lar, prisms of which two sides are broader than the others, ter-
minated by triangular pyramids, of a white colour, a styptic and
alkaline taste, colouring vegetable blues green, soluble in eighteen
parts of water at 60°, and in six at 212°, slightly efflorescing in
the air, and when heated, swelling, and, with the loss of nearly
half its weight, forming a porous friable mass, which, in a greater
heat, melts into a transparent glass soluble in water. Besides the
acids and alkalies which have a greater affinity for its acid or
base than these have for each other, it is decomposed by sul-
phates, muriates, nitrates, phosphates, and fluates, of all the earths
and of ammonia. It consists of 39 boracic acid, 17 soda, and 44
water.
Boracic acid exists in the form of small, shining, laminated
crystals. Specific gravity is 1.479. It is fixed and vitrifiable in the
fire. It is soluble in fifty parts of boiling water. It is also soluble
in alcohol, to which it imparts the property of burning with a yel-
low flame. It oxidizes only iron and zinc.
Borates are vitrifiable; and their concentrated solutions afford
when heated with the strong sulphuric acid, brilliant, lamellated
crystals.
Medical use. — The medical virtues of borax have not been
sufficiently ascertained by experience: it is supposed to be, in
doses of half a drachm or two scruples, diuretic, emmenagogue,
and a promoter of delivery. Mr. Bisset, in an essay on the medi-
cal constitution of Great Britain, recommends a solution of this
salt in water, as the most powerful dissolvent yet known, of aph-
thous crusts in the mouth and fauces of children. And for the
same purpose also, a small quantity of it is often applied in the
S — Succinum. 637
form of powder mixed up with sugar. There are strong reasons
to believe, that the virtues of borax are much greater than they
are in general supposed to be; and that it may be more extensive-
ly used with advantage.
SUCCINUM. Ed. L. D.
Amber.
D. Barnsteen. P. Ambar, Ambre, Ala?nbre,
DA. Bernatetn Rav. POL. Bursztyn.
F. Amb e jaunt, Succin. , R. Jantar.
G. Bernstein. S. Ambar.
I. Ambra gialla, o ghiacciata. S VV. Bernsten, Raf.
This is a solid, brittle, bituminous, substance, dug out of the
earth, or found upon the sea-shores; the largest quantities are met
with along the coasts of Polish Prussia and Pomerania. It is of
a white yellow, or brown colour, sometimes opaque, and some-
times very clear and transparent.
It emits an agreeable smell when heated or rubbed. By friction
it becomes electric; and when heated it softens, swells, and then
melts and burns with a greenish or bluish flame, leaving a coaly
residuum. By distillation it affords a little acetous acid, an essen-
tial oil, and a peculiar acid, named from it the Succinic. It is
noc acted upon by water, or diluted acids. It is imperfectly dis-
solved in alcohol and ether. Hoffmann dissolved it in oil of
almonds in Papin's digester, and in a boiling solution of potass.
D . 1 homuson lately discovered that it was soluble in the cold,
in i very weak solution of the sub-carbonate of potass.
H' lined that it was soluble with decomposition in ni-
trous acid. In attempting to form succinic acid by the action of
nitious acid on amber, Dr. Duncan made the same observation.
The acid when heated to ebullition acts violently, copious red
fumes are emitted, and the amber is first as if melted, and then
dissrAcd. On cooling, part of the amber separates. The acid so-
lution is decomposed by water, and by alkaline solutions. Amber
is rendered soluble in the fixed and volatile oils by melting or
roasting it.
It is only kept for the empyreumatic oil and acid obtained
from it.
Officinal Preparations.
Acidum et oleum succini, E. L. D.
Succinum pra°paratum, L. vide Carbonas calcis prceparatus.
638 Materia Medica.
OLEUM SUCCINI et ACIDUM SUCCINI. Ed.
Oil of Amber and Succinic Acid.
j Sal Succini. D. Sal et Oleum Succini. L.
Salt of Amber. Salt and Oil of Amber.
Sal Succini Purificatus. L.
Purified Salt of Amber.
Take of
Amber reduced to powder, and of pure sand, equal parts.
Mix them, and put them into a glass retort, of which the mixture
may fill one half: then adapt a large receiver, and distil in a
sand bath, with a fire gradually increased. At first, a watery
liquor will come over, with some yellow oil; then a yellow oil,
with an acid salt; and lastly, a reddish and black-coloured oil.
Pour the liquor out of the receiver, and separate the oil from the
water. Press the salt collected from the neck of the retort and
sides of the receiver between folds of blotting paper, to free it
from the oil adhering to it; then purify it by solution in warm
water and crystallization. (E.)
We are not acquainted with any experiments which determine
whether the succinic acid exists as such in the amber, or whether
it be a product of the decomposition of the amber by the action
of heat, for in the process employed for obtaining succinic acid
the amber is completely decomposed.
The sand is added to prevent the amber from running together
into masses, and impeding the distillation; but as it renders the
residuum unfit for the use of the varnisher, it is not advisable.
According to Gottling, this distillation should be performed
in a tubulated iron or earthen-ware retort, exposed to the imme-
diate action of the fire; for he says, that, in a sand bath we cannot
regulate the heat sufficiently, and that a glass retort is incapable
of supporting the necessary temperature.
Besides the succinic acid collected from the neck of the retort,
and sides of the receiver, the oil washes down a portion of it into
the receiver, and the watery liquor which comes over is saturated
with it. But the whole of it may be obtained by agitating the oil
with some boiling water, which will dissolve the acid. This so-
lution is then to be added to the acid liquor, and the acid they
contain is easily obtained by evaporation and crystallization. The
acid may afterwards be purified by solution in boiling wTater and
crystallization, according to the directions of the colleges.
But even after repeated solutions and crystallizations, a portion
of empyreumatic oil still adheres to the acid, and renders it im-
S. — Succi Expressi. 639
pure. Other methods of purifying it have been therefore attempts
ed. Demachy saturated it with lime, separated the lime by sul-
phuric acid, and sublimed the succinic acid: Richter saturated
succinic acid with potass, decomposed the salt formed with ace-
tate of lead, and disengaged the succinic acid from the lead by
means of diluted sulphuric acid: lastly, Morveau asserts that he
obtained it in a state of perfect purity, by treating it with nitrous
acid. It is often adulterated with muriate of ammonia, sulphuric
acid, sulphate of potass, sugar, &c. When pure it is entirely vola-
tile, gives out no ammoniacal fumes when triturated with potass,
is not precipitated by solutions of baryta, and is soluble in alcohol.
Succinic acid, although retained in our pharmacopoeias, is never
used in medicine.
Succinic acid crystallizes in transparent white triangular
prisms; may be melted and sublimed, but suffers partial decom-
position; more soluble in hot than in cold water; soluble in hot
alcohol.
Succinates little known.
SUCCI.— JUICES.
SUCCI EXPRESSI.
Expressed Juices.
The juices of succulent plants are obtained by expression.
They are of a very compound nature, consisting of the sap, the
secreted fluids, and fecula, mixed together. When first procured,
they are very high coloured, turbid, and loaded with parenchyma-
tous matter. They may be separated by rest, filtration, heat, and
clarification. Rest may be employed when the juice is very fluid,
does not contain volatile matter, and is not susceptible of altera-
tion. It is, however, employed with advantage with sub-acid juices,
as that of lemons. By rest they undergo a kind of slight fermenta-
tion, and all their mucilaginous, and other viscid parts, separate.
Filtration is perhaps the most perfect, but it is tedious, and appli-
cable only to very fluid juices. In many instances it may be facili-
tated by the addition of water. The action of heat is more expe-
ditious, and is employed for juices which are very alterable, or
which contain volatile matters. It is performed by introducing the
juice into a matrass, and immersing it in boiling water for some
640 Materia Medica.
minutes. The feculse are coagulated, and easily separated by fil-
tration. Clarification by white of egg can only be used for very
viscid mucilaginous juices, which contain nothing volatile. The
white of two eggs may be allowed to each pint of juice. Thev are
beat to a fine froth, the juice gradually mixed with them, and the
whole brought to ebullition. The albumen coagulating envelops
all the parenchymatous and feculent matters, and the juice now
passes the filter readily. By this processjuic.es are rendered suf-
ficiently fine; but the heat employed deepens their colour, and
manifestly alters them, so that it is not merely a defecating, but
a decomposing, process. When depurated, juices are yellow or
red, but never green.
The fluids thus extracted from succulent fruits, whether acid
or sweet, from most of the acrid herbs, as scurvy-grass and wa-
ter-cresses, from the acid herbs, as sorrel and wood-sorrel, from
the aperient lactescent plants, as dandelion and hawkweed, and
from sundry other vegetables, contain great part of the peculiar
taste and virtues of the respective subjects. The juices, on the
other hand, extracted from most of the aromatic herbs, have
scarcely any thing of the flavour of the plants, and seem to differ
little from decoctions of them made in water boiled till the vola-
tile odorous parts have been dissipated. Many of the odoriferous
flowers, as the lily, violet, hyacinth, not only impart nothing of
their fragrance to their juice, but have it totally destroyed by the
previous bruising. From want of sufficient attention to these
particulars, practitioners have been frequently deceived in the
effects of preparations of this class: juice of mint has been often
prescribed as a stomachic, though it wants those qualities by
which mint itself and its other preparations operate.
There are equal differences in regard to their preserving those
virtues, and this independently of the volatility of the active
matter, or its disposition to exhale. Even the volatile virtue of
scurvy-grass may, by the above method, be preserved almost
entire in its juice for a considerable time; while the active parts
of the juice of the wild cucumber quickly separate and settle to
the bottom, leaving the fluid part inert. Juices of arum root, iris
root, bryony root and other vegetables, in like manner allow
their medicinal parts to settle at the bottom.
If juices are intended to be kept for any length of time, about
one fortieth part of their weight of good spirit of wine may be
added, and the whole suffered to stand as before; afresh sediment
will now be deposited, from which the. liquor is to be poured off,
strained again, and put into small bottles which have been washed
with spirit and dried. A little oil is to be poured on the surface,
so as very nearly to fill the bottles, and the ^mouths closed with$
leather, paper, or stopped with straw, as the flasks are in which
Florence oil is brought to us: this serves to keep out dust, and
S. — Succi Spissati. 641
suffers the air to escape, which in process of time arises from all
vegetable liquors, and which would otherwise endanger the
bursting of the glasses; or, being imbibed afresh, render their
contents vapid and foul. The bottles are to be kept on the
bottom of a good cellar or vault, placed up to the necks in sand.
By this method some juices may be preserved for a year or two;
and others for a much longer time, though, whatever care be
taken, they are found to answer better when fresh; and from the
difficulty of preserving them, they have of late been very much
laid aside, especially since we have been provided with more
convenient and useful remedies. The following is the only com-
position of the kind retained in the British pharmacopoeias.
SUCCUS COCHLEARLE OFFICINALIS COMPOSI-
TUS.
vulgo, Succi ad Scorbuticos. Ed.
SUCCUS COCHLEARI/E COMPOSITUS. L.
Compound Juice of Scurvy-Grass.
Take of
Juice of scurvy-grass,
Water-cresses, expressed from fresh gathered herbs,
Seville oranges, of each two pounds;
Spirit of nutmegs, half a pound.
Mix them, and let them stand till the feces have subsided, then
pour off the clear liquor. (E.)
This composition is of considerable use for the purposes ex-
pressed in the title: the orange juice is an excellent assistant to
the scurvy-grass and other acrid antiscorbutics; which, when
thus mixed, have been found from experience to produce much
better effects than when employed by themselves. They may be
taken in doses from an ounce or two to a quarter of a pint, two
or three times a-day: they generally increase the urinarv secre-
tion, and sometimes induce a laxative habit.
SUCCI SPISSATI.
Inspissated Juices.
This is a very convenient form for the exhibition of those
substances which are sufficiently succulent to afford a juice by
expression, and whose virtues do not reside in any very volatile
matter. Bv inspissation, the bulk of the requisite dose is very
4M
642 Materia Medica.
much diminished; they are reduced to a form convenient for
making up into pills; and they are much less apt to spoil than the
simple expressed juices. The mode of their preparation is not
yet, however, reduced to fixed principles. Some direct the juices
to be inspissated as soon as they are expressed; others allow
them previously to undergo a slight degree of fermentation; some
defecate them before they proceed to inspissate them, and lastly ^
Baume prepares his elateriumby inspissating the defecated juice
of the wild cucumber, while our colleges give the same name to
the matter which subsides from it. The nature of the soil, of the
season, and many other circumstances, must materially alter the
quantity or nature of the product. In moist years Baume got
from thirtv pounds of elder berries, four or five pounds of inspis-
sated juice, and in dry years only two, or two and a half. From
hemlock he got in October, 1769, -~.j of inspissated juice, and
in Ma\ of the same year, only ^gT; on the contrary, in August
1768, 2T--> an ! in May 1770 ~j, but in general the product in the
autumn months was greatest. Hyosciamus gave him about ^.-5,
and belladonna -fz.
SUCCUS SPISSATUS ACONITI NAPELLI. Ed.
Inspissated Juke of Wolfsbane.
Bruise the fresh leaves of wolfsbane; and including them in a
hempen bag, compress them strongly till they yield their juice,
which is to be evaporated in flat vessels heated with boiling
water, saturated with muriate of soda, and immediately redu-
ced to the consistence of thick honey.
After the mass has become cold, let it be put up in glazed earthen
vessels, and moistened with alcohol. (E.)
In the same manner are prepared from their leaves,
Succi Spissati The Inspissated Jukes of
Atrop^e Belladonna, Deadly Nightshade.
Conii maculati, Hemlock.
Hyosciami nigri, Henbane.
Lactuca virosvE, Poisonous Lettuce..
S. — Succi Spissati. 643
SUCCUS SPISSATUS SAMBUCI NIGRI; vulgo,
Rob Sambuci. Ed.
Inspissated Juice of Elder-berries, commonly called Elder rob.
Succus Bacce Sambuci Spissatus. L.
Succus Spissatus Sambuci. D.
Inspissated Juice of Elder berry.
Take of
Juice of ripe elder-berries, five pounds;
Double refined sugar, one pound.
Evaporate with a gentle heat to the consistence of pretty thick
honey. (E.)
In the same manner inspissate the juice of Black Currant, Lemon,
Hemlock, when about to flower.
These inspissatedjuices contain the virtues of the respective
vegetables, in a very concentrated state. Those of the elder,
black-currant, and lemon, are acidulous, cooling, and laxative,
and may be used in considerable quantities, while those of the
wolfsbane, hemlock, deadly nightshade, henbane, and poisonous
lettuce, are highly narcotic and deleterious, and must be given
only in very small doses.
F ECU LA.
SUCCUS SPISSATUS MOMORDICjE ELATERII. Ed.
Elaterium. L.
Inspissated Juice of the Wild Cucumber. Elaterium.
Cut into slices ripe wild cucumbers, and pass the juice, very light-
ly expressed, through a very fine hair sieve, into a glass vessel,
then boil it a little and set it by for some hours until the thicker
part has subsided. Pour off the thinner part swimming at the
top, and separate the rtst by filtering. Cover the thicker part,
which remains after filtration, with a linen cloth, and dry it
with a gentle heat. (E. L.)
This is not properly an inspissated juice, but a deposition from
the expressed juice. Such depositions have long been called Fe-
cula, and the denomination has been confirmed in modern times.
Its application, however, appears to us to be too extended; for
fecula is applied both to mild and nutritious substances, such as
starch, and to drastic substances, such as that of which we are now
treating. Besides, if it possessed exactly the same chemical pro-
644 Materia Mediea.
perties as starch, it would be converted into a gelatinous mass by
the boiling directed by the Edinburgh college, and would not se-
parate; whereas, the boiling is intended to promote the separa-
tion.
The nitration above directed, for draining off such part of the
watery fluid as cannot be separated by decantation, is not the com-
mon nitration through paper, for this does not succeed here: the
grosser parts of the juice, falling to the bottom, form a viscid cake
upon the paper, which the liquid cannot pass through. The sepa-
ration is to be attempted in another manner, by draining the fluid
from the top. This is effected by placing one end of some mois-
tened strips of woollen cloth, skeins of cotton, or the like, in the
juice, and laying the other end over the edge of the vessel, so as
to hang down lower than the surface of the liquor, by this ma-
nagement the separation succeeds in perfection.
Medical use, — Elaterium is a very violent hydragogue cathar-
tic. In general, previous to its operation, it excites considerable
sickness at stomach, and not unfrequently it produces severe
vomiting. Hence it is seldom employed till other remedies have
been tried in vain. But in some instances of ascites it will pro-
duce a complete evacuation of water, where other cathartics have
had no effect. Two or three grains are in general a sufficient
dose. And perhaps the best mode of exhibiting it is by giving it
only to the extent of half a grain at a time, and repeating that
dose every hour till it begins to operate.
PULPARUM EXTRACTIO. Ed. D.
The Extraction of Pulps.
PULPARUM PR.EPARATIO. L.
The Preparation of Pulps.
Boil unripe pulpy fruits, and ripe ones if they be dry, in a small
quantity of water until they become soft; then press out the
pulp through a hair sieve, and afterwards boil it down to the
consistence of honey in an earthen vessel, over a gentle fire;
taking care to keep stirring the matter continually. (E. D.)
(The pulp of cassia fistularis is in like manner to be boiled out
from the bruised pod, and reduced afterwards to a proper con-
sistence bv evaporating the water.
The pulps of fruits that are both ripe "and fresh, are to be pres-
sed out through the sieve, without any previous boiling.) (E.)
When these fruits are not sufficiently juicy to afford a pulp by
simple expression, the decoction ordered by the Edinburgh and
S. — Sulphas. 645
Dublin colleges is much more certain, and in every respect pre-
ferable to exposing them to a moist air, which is not only often
inefficacious, but is apt to render them spoilt and mouldy. On
the other hand, the precaution used by the London college, of
finishing the evaporation in a water bath, is highly proper, as
otherwise they are extremely apt to become empyreumatic.
The pulps expressed from recent substances without coction,
are less mucilaginous, are more apt to allow their fluid parts to
separate when left at rest, than when they have been previously
boiled: and very succulent vegetables, such as apples, pears, and
lily roots, may be roasted in hot ashes instead of being boiled.
SULPHAS.— SULPHATE.
Sulphate is a generic term for the combination of sulphuric
acid with the alkalies, earths and metallic oxides. Their generic
characters have been already noticed. Like the other genera, they
may be divided into three families.
Family 1. Alkaline sulphates. — These form no precipitate
with alkaline carbonates.
Family 2. Earthy sulphates. — These are either insoluble in
water, or, if soluble, form a white precipitate with alkaline car-
bonates.
Family 3. Metalline sulphates. — These form precipitates,
which are often coloured, with alkaline carbonates in general,
with prussiate of potass and iron, and with gallic acid.
Officinal Preparations.
Sulphas Alumina?.
Baryta?. - vide Baryta.
Cupri. - - - Cuprum.
Ferri. ... - Ferrum.
Magnesiae. - - - Magnesia.
Potassae. .... Potassa.
Sodas. --.. . Soda.
Zinci. . Zincum.
646 Materia Medica.
SUPER-SULPHAS ALUMINiE ET POTASS/E,
Sulphas Alumina. Ed,
Alumen. L. D.
Super-sulphate of alumina and potass. Alum.
D.
Aluin.
P.
Pcdra hume
DA
Alun, Aluun, Allun.
POL.
Ualu n.
F.
Alun, Alum.
R.
Kwasszii.
G.
Alaun. \
S.
Alumbre.
I.
Allume.
SW.
Alun.
Alum is obtained principally from schistose clays, which con-
tain iron pyrites, by roasting, exposure, lixiviation, the addition
of a proportion of potass ley, evaporation, and crystallization.
The roasting destroys the bituminous matters these clays com-
monly contain, the exposure to the air acidifies the sulphur of the
pyrites, and the addition of alkali is absolutely necessary for the
constitution of alum, which is a triple salt, with excess of acid,
consisting of sulphuric acid, alumina, and potass, or ammonia, or
a mixture of both. The properties of alum do not seem to be
affected by the nature of the alkali. To save the trouble of eva-
poration, Mr. Curadau has given another method of manufac-
turing this substance. He takes 100 parts of clay, and 5 parts of
muriate of soda, dissolved in as much water as is necessary to
form the whole into a paste, which is made into cakes, and baked
for two hours in a reverberatory furnace. The mass is then re-
duced to powder, and put into a good cask; a quarter of its
weight of sulphuric acid is then added to it at several times, stir-
ring it well each time. After the vapours of the muriatic acid are
disengaged, an equal quantity of water with the acid is added.
The mixture then becomes hot, swells, and emits very abundant
vapours. When the heat is somewhat moderated, more water
must be added until there is about eight or ten times as much as
of the acid. The liquor is then drawn off into leaden vessels, and
an equal quantity of water poured upon the residuum, which is
also drawn off and added to the former. To these is lastly added
a solution containing as much potass as is equal to a fourth part,
or sulphate of potass equal to one half the weight of the acid. As
the liquor cools, it affords crystallized alum, equal in weight to
three times the acid, and which may be further purified by re-
dissolving it in the smallest possible quantity of boiling water,
and allowing it to crystallize.
Alum crystallizes in regular octohedrons, whose sides are equi-
lateral triangles. It has a sweetish but very astringent taste. It is
soluble in 15 times its weight of water at 60°*, and three fourths
of its weight at 212°. It reddens vegetable blues. It effloresces
S. — Sulphas. — Aluminis Purificatio. 647
slightly in the air. By the action of heat it first undergoes the
watery fusion, then loses its water of crystallization, and lastly
great part of its acid. It is decomposed by baryta, potass, soda,
strontia, and all salts of which these are the bases; by the nitrate,
muriate, phosphate, carbonate, borate, and fluate of ammonia;
by the nitrate, muriate, phosphate, and carbonate of magnesia;
and by the nitrate, muriate, and carbonate of lime. It is also
decomposed by the gallic acid, by colouring matters, and by
many animal and vegetable substances, in a manner not yet suf-
ficiently understood.
It commonly consists, according to Vauquelin, of 49 sulphate
of alumina, 7 sulphate of potass, and 44 of water.
Medical use. — Alum is a powerful astringent: it is reckoned
particularly serviceable for restraining hemorrhagies, and immo-
derate secretions from the blood; but less proper in intestinal
fluxes. In violent hemorrhagies, it may be given in doses of
fifteen or twenty grains, and repeated every hour or half hour
till the bleeding abates: in other cases, smaller doses are more
advisable; large ones being apt to nauseate the stomach, and
occasion violent constipations of the bowels. It is used also ex-
ternally, in astringent and repellent lotions and collyria. Burnt
alum taken internally has been highly extolled in cases of colic.
In such instances, when taken to the extent of a scruple for a
dose, it has been said gently to move the belly, and give vefv
great relief from the severe pain.
Officinal Pheparatioss.
Alumen purificatum, L.
Sulphas aluminis exsiccatus, E. L. D.
Solut. sulphat. cupri composita, E. - vide Cuprum.
Aqua aluminis composita, L. Zincum.
Pulvis sulph. aluminis compositus, E. - Puheres.
Cataplasma aluminis, L. D. - - Cataplasmata.
ALUMINIS PURIFICATIO. L,
Purification of Alum.
Take of
Alum, one pound;
Chalk, one drachm;
Distilled water, one pint.
Boil them a little, strain, and set the liquor aside to crystallize.
(L.)
This process is scarcely necessary; for the alum of commerce
is sufficiently pure for every purpose; and we apprehend that the
648 Materia Medica.
addition of the chalk is unchemical, as its only effect will be to
decompose part of the alum, without contributing to the purity of
the rest.
SULPHAS ALUMINjE EXSICCATUS. Ed.
Dried Sulphate of Alumina.
Alumen Ustum. L. D.
Burnt Alum.
Melt alum in an earthen or iron vessel, and keep it over the fire
until it cease to boil. (E.)
Mr. Chaptal found that by exsiccation in red heat, alum of
his own manufacture lost 0.67; Roman alum 0.50; English alum
0.47, and Levant alum only 0.40. These differences arise princi-
pally from different proportions of water of crystallization, but
also from an excess of alumina, which the last contains.
According to Kirwan, crystallized alum consists of 17.66 acid,
12. alumina, and 70.24 water, and alum desiccated at 700° of
36.25 acid; and 63.75 basis, by which it would appear that at that
heat it loses not only all its water, but also more than half its acid.
Dried alum is only applied externally as a -gentle escharotic to
fungous ulcers.
SULPHUR.— BRIMSTONE.
D. Zwavel, Zolfer.
DA. Svovely
P. Enxofre
POL. Siarka.
F. Soufre.
G. Schwefel.
I. ZolfO) Solfo.
R. Sjera.
S. Azufre.
SW. Svafvel.
Sulphur is a crystallizable solid; of a yellow colour; little sen-
sible taste; particular smell; specific gravity 1.9907; brittle; elec-
tric; fusible at 234°; burning with a pale blue flame at 302°; and
with a bright white flame at 570°; and capable of combining with
different proportions of oxygen. It is found pure in the neigh-
bourhood of volcanoes, and exists in many minerals, and in ani-
mal substances.
Primary Compounds of Sulphur.
a. With oxygen:
1. Protoxide of sulphur.
2. Peroxide of sulphur.
3. Sulphureous acid.
S.— Sulphur.— S. Sublimatum. 649
4. Sulphuric acid.
b. With nitrogen. Sulphuretted nitrogen gas.
c. With hydrogen. Sulphuretted hydrogen.
d. With phosphorus. Sulphuretted phosphorus.
e. With salifiable bases. Earthy and alkaline sulphurets.
f. With metals. Metallic sulphurets.
Oxide of Sulphur is of a dark violet colour, and an austere taste,
fracture fibrous, sp. gr. 2.325; consistence tough. It contains 2.4
per cent, of oxygen. It is formed on the surface of melted sulphur.
Peroxide of Sulphur contains 6.2 per cent, of oxygen, and was
procured by Dr. Thomson by passing a current of oxy-muriatic
acid gas through flowers of sulphur. It is in this state that he
supposes sulphur to exist in sulphuretted hydrogen gas, and the
hydro-sulphurets.
Sulphuretted Nitrogen Gas is only known to have a fetid odour.
Sulphuretted Hydrogen Gas consists of 71 sulphur, and 29 hy-
drogen; specific gravity 0.000135. It has the odour of rotten eggs;
is not respirable; burns with oxygen gas without exploding, and
sulphur is deposited; is readily absorbed by water, and is the
mode in which sulphur exists in mineral waters; reddens vege-
table blues; and in its affinities, and the crystallizability of its com-
pounds, it resembles the acids.
Hydroguretted Sulphur is sulphuretted hydrogen combined
with an additional dose of sulphur. It has the appearance of a yel-
low oil.
Sulphurets are solid opaque bodies, of considerable specific
gravity, decomposable by heat, water, and the acids.
a. The alkaline and earthy sulphurets have a red or brown-
ish-red colour, and by solution in water are immediately
converted into hydrogurettcd sulphurets. Sulphuret of
potass is officinal.
h. The metallic sulphurets have neither taste nor smell, are
often possessed of metallic brilliancy, and are conductors
of electricity.
SULPHUR SUBLIMATUM. Ed. L. D.
Sublimed Sulphur.
In the neighbourhood of volcanoes it is sometimes found per-
fectly pure and crystallized; but all the sulphur of commerce is
extracted from pyrites by sublimation. It is usually brought to us
in large irregular masses, which are afterwards melted and cast
into cylindrical rolls, with the addition of some coarse resin,
flour, or the like; whence the paler colour of the rolls.
4N
650 Materia Medica.
Sulphur should be chosen of a bright yellow colour, should be
very inflammable, and should burn with a bright pure blue flame.
Sublimed sulphur is never prepared by the apothecary. It has the
form of a very fine powder, having a beautiful yellow colour. It
often is contaminated with a little sulphuric acid, formed during
the process, from which it is easily freed by washing.
Medical use. — Pure sulphur loosens the belly, and promotes
insensible perspiration: it seems to pass through the whole habit,
and manifestly transpires through the pores of the skin, as appears
from the sulphureous smell of persons who have taken it, and
from silver being stained in their pockets of a blackish colour,
which is the known effect of sulphureous fumes. It is a celebrated
remedy against cutaneous diseases, both given internally, and ex-
ternally applied. It has likewise been recommended in coughs,
asthmas, and other disorders of the breast and lungs; and parti-
cularly in catarrhs of the chronic kind. But it is probable, that the
benefit derived from it in these cases, is principally, if not entirely,
to be attributed to its operation as a gentle laxative. And with
this intention it is frequently used with great advantage in he-
morrhoidal affections, and many other diseases in which it is pro-
per to keep the belly gently open.
Officinal Preparations.
Sulphur subiim. lotum, E. L. D.
Sulphas potassse cum sulph. E. - vide Potassa.
Sulphuretum potassse, E. L. D. - Idem.
Hydro-sulph. ammonise. - Ammonia.
Sulphas hydrargyri nigri, E. L. D. - Hydrargyrum.
Hydrargyrum sulphuratum rubrum, L. D. Idem.
Oleum sulphuratum, E. L. 1 m , ,
Petroleum sulphuratum, L. } Oka pra-parata.
Unguentum sulphuris, E.L. D. - - Unguenta.
SULPHUR SUBLIMATUM LOTUM. Ed. D.
Washed Sublimed Sulphur.
Flores Sulphuris Loti. L.
Washed Flowers of Sulphur.
Take of
Sublimed sulphur, one pound;
Water, four pounds.
Boil the sulphur for a little in the water, then pour off this water,
and wash away all the acid by affusions of cold water; and
lastly, dry the sulphur. (E. L.)
S. — Sulphur — S. Prsecipitatum. 651
As it is impossible to sublime sulphur in vessels perfectly void
of air, a small portion of it is always acidified and converted into
sulphurous or sulphuric acid. The presence of acid in sulphur, is
always to be considered as an impurity, and must be removed by
careful ablution. When thoroughly washed, sublimed sulphur is
not acted upon by the atmosphere; there is therefore no particular
reason for preserving it from the action of the air; for if, on keep-
ing, it become moist, it is because the sulphuric acid has not been
entirely washed away.
Officinal Prepara?iox.
Trochisci sulphuris, L. vide Trochisci.
SULPHUR PRjECIPITATUM. L. D.
Precipitated Sulphur,
Take of
Sulphuretted kali, six ounces;
Distilled water, one pound and a half;
Diluted vitriolic acid, as much as is sufficient.
Boil the sulphuretted kali in the distilled water until it be dis-
solved. Filter the liquor through paper, to which add the diluted
vitriolic acid. Wash the precipitated powder by repeated af-
fusions of water till it become insipid. (L.)
Instead of dissolving sulphuret of potass in water, we may gra-
dually add sublimed sulphur to a boiling solution of potass, until
it be saturated. When the sulphuretted potass is thrown into water,
it is entirely dissolved, but not without decomposition, for it is
converted into sulphate of potass, hydroguretted sulphuret of
potass, and sulphuretted hydroguret of potass. The two last com-
pounds are again decomposed on the addition of any acid. The
acid combines with the potass, sulphuretted hydrogen flies off in
the form of gas, while sulphur is precipitated. It is of little con-
sequence what acid is employed to precipitate the sulphur. The
London college order the sulphuric; while the Dublin college use
nitrous acid, probably because the nitrate of potass formed, is
more easily washed away than sulphate of potass.
Precipitated sulphur does not differ from well-washed sublimed
sulphur, except in being much dearer. Its paler colour is owing
to its more minute division, or according to Dr. Thomson, to
the presence of a little water; but from either circumstance it
derives no superiority to compensate for the disagreeableness of
its preparation.
652 Materia Medica.
ACIDUM SULPHURICUM. Ed.
ACIDUM VlTRIOLICUM. OLEUM VlTRlOLI. L. D.
Sulphuric acid. Vitriolic acid, Oil of vitriol.
The London and Edinburgh colleges direct, that in the shops,
its specific gravity should be to that of water as 1850 to 1000;
the Dublin college as 1845 to 1000. This want of uniformity is
to be regretted.
Sulphuric acid is composed of sulphur and oxygen. It may be
obtained in a crystallized or glacial form, but generally exists
as a dense liquid; specific gravity 1.85; slightly viscid; transparent
and colourless; without smell; of a strong acid taste. At 36° it
freezes; it boils at 590°. It has a strong attraction for water, ab-
sorbing it rapidly from the atmosphere, and producing considera-
ble heat when mixed with it. It is decomposed by most inflam-
mable substances. It does not oxidize gold, platinum, tungsten,
or titanium. It decomposes the alkaline and earthy sulphurets,
and reduces all organic substances to charcoal. In medicine it is
a powerful refrigerant and antiseptic. It contains 56 sulphur, and
44 oxygen.
The sulphates form sulphurets, when heated to redness with
charcoal, and furnish copious precipitates with solutions of ba-
ryta.
Sulphurous acid gas is colourless, incapable of maintaining
combustion, and deleterious when respired. It has a strong suffo-
cating odour; its specific gravity is 0.00246, or 0.00251. Water
at 54° rapidly absorbs one-fourth of its weight of this gas, and
when saturated, acquires the specific gravity of 1.040. It is again
expelled from it by heat, but not by freezing. It is also absorbed
by sulphuric acid, to which it imparts the property of crystalliz-
ing, forming what is called glacial sulphuric acid; oils and ether.
When water is present, it is converted by oxygen gas into sulphu-
ric acid. It is decomposed by hydrogen, carbon, and sulphuret-
ted hydrogen gas, when assisted by heat. It oxidizes iron, zinc,
and manganese. It consists of 85 sulphur, and 15 oxygen.
The sulphites, by the action of heat, furnish sulphur, and be-
come sulphates. They are also converted into sulphates, with
effervescence, and exhalation of sulphurous vapours, by the sul-
phuric, nitric, muriatic, and other acids, and gradually, by expo-
sure to the atmosphere when dry, and very quickly when dis-
solved.
As sulphuric acid is prepared by the trading chemist, it is
inserted among the materia medica. It is obtained in two ways;
by distilling off the acid from sulphate of iron, previously de-
S. — Sulphur. — Acidum Sulphuricum. 653
prived of its water of crystallization by heat, or by burning sul-
phur in large leaden chambers, with an eighth part of nitrate of
potass to supply the necessary oxygen. In the first way the
strongest acid is obtained, but it is apt to contain iron or copper.
By the second process it generally contains lead, which is easily
detected by mixing a portion of the acid with three parts of dis-
tilled water, and if the acid be impure, a deposition will be form-
ed. It may be rendered perfectly pure by distillation, filling a re-
tort half full of the common acid, and distilling in a sand-bath,
gradually heated as long as any acid comes over. The receiver
should not be luted on.
Sulphuric acid powerfully decomposes dead animal matter. It
becomes diluted with water formed by the union of the hydrogen
and oxygen; another portion of the hydrogen combines with the
azote to form ammonia, and the carbon is separated in the state
of charcoal. The affinities which regulate this action are so pow-
erful, that it produces the same effects on the living solid, and
therefore it acts upon them as a corrosive. But to its employment
with this view, its fluidity is an objection, as it cannot be easily
managed.
Medicaluse — When sufficiently diluted, it is an excellent tonic,
checking fermentation, exciting appetite, promoting digestion,and
quenching thirst, and it is therefore used with success in morbid
acidity, weakness, and relaxation of the stomach. As an astrin-
gent, it is used in hemorrhagies; and from its refrigerant and
antiseptic properties, it is a valuable medicine in many febrile dis-
eases, especially those called putrid. If taken in any considerable
quantity, or for some time, it seems to pass off undecomposed by
the kidneys or skin; and it is perhaps by its stimulant action on
the latter, that it is advantageously employed internally in psora,
and other cutaneous affections. The best mode of prescribing k,
is to order the quantity of acid to be used, and to direct it to be
mixed with as much water as will render it palatable, to which
some syrup or mucilage may be added. To prevent it from at-
tacking the teeth, it may be conveniently sucked through a quill,
and the mouth should be carefully washed after each dose.
Externally it is used as a gargle, particularly in putrid sore
throats, and in aphthous mouths, and as a wash in cutaneous erup-
tions, and ill-conditioned ulcers. Made into an ointment with
sixteen times its weight of axunge it has been used to cure psora.
Officinal Preparation.
Acidum sulphuricum dilutum, E. L. D.
aromaticum, E. - vide Tinctura JFjherea\
654 Materia Medica.
It is also used in the preparation or
Acidum nitrosum, E. L. D. - vide Nitras potassce.
muriatic um, E. L. D. - Murias so dee.
Aqua super-carbonatis potassae, E. - Potassa.
Sulphas potassae, E. - - Idem.
Phosphas sodae, E. - - Soda.
Murias antimonii, E. L. D. - - Antimonium.
Sulphas ferri, E. L. D. - - - Ferrum.
Murias hydrargyria E. L. D. - - Hydrargyrum.
Sub-sulphas hydrargyri flavus, E. L. D. - Idem.
/Ether sulphuricus, E. L. D. - - Alcohol.
ACIDUM SULPHURICUM DILUTUM. Ed.
Diluted Sulphuric Acid.
Acidum Vitriolicum Dilutum. L. D.
Diluted or weak Vitriolic Acid.
Take of
Sulphuric acid, one part;
Water, seven parts.
Mix them. (E.)
The most simple form in which sulphuric acid can be advan-
tageously employed internally, is that in which it is merely dilut-
ed with water: and it is highly proper that there should be some
fixed standard in which the acid in this state should be kept. It
is, however, much to be regretted, that the colleges have not
adopted the same standard with respect to strength: for in the
Edinburgh and Dublin colleges, the strong acid constitutes an
eighth; and in the London, only a ninth of the mixture. The for-
mer proportion seems preferable, as it gives exactly a drachm of
acid to the ounce; but the dilution by mr ans of distilled water is
preferable to spring water; which, even in its purest state, is not
free from impregnations affecting the acid. Even when distilled
water is used, there is often a small quantity of a white precipi-
tate, arising from lead dissolved in the acid.
Sulphuric acid has a very strong attraction for water; and their
bulk when combined is less than that of the water and acid sepa-
rately. At the same time, there is a very considerable increase of
temperature produced, which is apt to- crack glass vessels, unless
the combination be very cautiously made; and for the same rea-
son, the acid must be poured into the water, not the water into
the acid. '
S. — Super-tartris Potassae Impurus. 655
SUPER-TARTRIS POTASSiE. Ed.
Tartari Crystalli. L.
Tartari Crystalli et Cremor Dictum. D.
Super-tartrate of Potass, Crystals of Tartar and Cream of Tartar,
It has already been stated (see Tartris Potassae) that the tar-
taric acid combines with potass in two proportions; the one form-
ing a neutral, the other an acidulous salt. The last is here noticed;
and as the tartaric acid so greatly predominates in it, it will be
proper to introduce its general properties.
Tartaric acid varies in the forms of its crystals; its specific
gravity is 1.5962; it is permanent in the air; it is decomposed by
heat; it dissolves readily in water, and the solution is not decom-
posed by exposure, unless very dilute; it may be changed by nitric
acid into oxalic acid. According to Fourcroy it consists of 70.5
oxygen, 19.0 carbon, and 10.5 hydrogen.
Tartrates, by a red heat, are converted into carbonates. The
earthy tartrates are scarcely soluble in water: the alkaline tar-
trates are soluble; but when combined with excess of acid, they
become much less soluble. The tartaric acid is capable of com-
bining at the same time with two bases. When tartrates are di-
gested in sulphuric acid, the tartaric acid is separated, and is re-
cognised by forming a gritty precipitate with a solution of potass.
SUPER-TARTRIS POTASSifc IMPURUS. Ed.
Tartarum. L. D.
Impure Super-tartrate of Potass. Tartar.
D.
Wynsteen.
P.
Tar tar o.
DA.
Vinsteen.
POL.
Ways tin.
F.
Tartre.
R.
Wimiiii kamen
G.
Weinstein.
S.
Tartaro.
I.
Tar tar o.
SW.
V ins ten.
Tartar exists in verjuice and in must, and is deposited on the
sides of the casks by repose, from which it is scraped some time
before the next vintage, to prepare the casks to receive the new
wine. The deepest coloured and coarsest wines generally give
most tartar; and it gets the name of white or red tartar accord-
ing to its colour.
It is purified by dissolving it in boiling water, and separating
the earthy part by filtrating the boiling solution. On cooling the
solution, it Jrposits in* 2;ular crysvals, containing the oily and
colouring matters, which are separated by boiling the mass with
656 Materia Medica.
a white clay. At Venice it is purified by dissolving it in water,
and clarifying it with whites of eggs and ashes. The tartar thus
purified, when crystallized, or in powder, is called Cream of
Tartar.
Its crystals are small and irregular, and do not melt in the
mouth but feel gritty under the teeth* It has an acid harsh taste.
It is soluble in sixty times its weight in water at 60°, and in
thirty at 212°. It is decomposed, and its acid is destroyed, by
heat. It contains 23 parts of potass, according to Bergmann, and
33, according to Thenard.
Medical use, — The virtues of tartar are those of a mild, cooling,
aperient, laxative medicine. It is much used in dropsy; and some
allege that it has good effects as a deobstruent, in dropsy from
scirrhus. Taken from half an ounce to an ounce, it proves a
gentle, though effectual purgative. Given in smaller doses, and
in solution, it often acts as a powerful diuretic.
Officinal Preparations.
Tartris potassse, E. L. D. - vide Potassa.
et sodae, E. L. D. - - Soda.
antimonii, E. L. D. - - - Antimonium.
Ferrum tartarisatum, L. - - Ferrum.
Infusum sennse tartarisatum, L. - Infusa.
Pulvis jalap, compositus, E. - Pulveres.
scammonii compositus, E. - Idem,
sennae compositus, E. - - Idem.
SWIETENIA.
Willd. g. 843. Decandria Monogynia. — Nat. ord. Trihi!ata>.
SWIETENIA MAHAGONI. Sp. 1. Cortex. Ed.
Mahogany tree. The bark.
D. Mahognyhout. G. Mahagonienholz.
DA. Mahagoni. I. Legno mogano .
F. Bois (T Acajou, Bois S. Caoba, Caobana.
de Mahagony. SW. Mahagony.
This majestic tree grows principally in Jamaica and in Spanish
America. Its useful wood is universally known. Its bark is
brown, rough and scaly; on the branches grey and smoother. Its
taste is very astringent, and bitterer than that of Peruvian bark.
Its smell weak and aromatic. In its properties and action on the
living body, it coincides with Peruvian bark, and may be substi-
tuted for it in many situations.
4.
S.— SyrupL 657
SWIETENIA FEBRIFUGA. Sp. 2. Cortex. Ed.
Febrifuge Swietenia. The bark.
This species, which in many respects resembles the former,
is a native of the East Indies. Its bark is red, brittle, and com-
pact, and covered with a rough grey cuticle. In its properties it
agrees with the mahogany bark, and forms a very valuable sub-
stitute for Peruvian bark in the East Indies, where this last is so
dear and scarce, and the diseases in which it is indicated so
common. It is, however, merely an astringent bitter, and con-
tains no cinchonin. Dr. Roxburgh sent from India a quantity of
the extract of this bark, which could not be distinguished from
the kino of the shops.
SYRUPL— SYRUPS. L. D.
In making syrups, where we have not directed either the weight
of the sugar, or the manner in which it should be dissolved,
this is to be rule:
Take of
Double refined sugar, twenty-nine ounces;
Any kind of liquor, one pint and a half.
Dissolve the sugar in the liquor, in a water bath; mix and boil
down to one pound, then set it aside for twenty-four hours;
take off the scum, and pour off the syrup from the feces if there
be any. (L. D.)
Syrups are solutions of sugar in any watery fluid, whether
simple or medicated. Simple syrup is nutritious and demulcent.
When made of fine sugar, it is transparent and colourless. If
necessary, it is easily clarified, by beating to a froth the white of
an egg with three or four ounces of water, mixing it with the
syrup, and boiling the mixture for a few seconds, until the albu-
men coagulates, and enveloping all heterogeneous matters, it
forms a scum, which may be easily taken off, or separated by fil-
tration. When instead of simple water, any other fluid is used
for dissolving the sugar, the syrup is then medicated. Medicated
syrups are prepared, either with expressed juices, infusions, de-
coctions, or saline fluids. The object of forming these into syrups,
is either to render them agreeable to the palate, or to preserve
them from fermentation. In the latter case, the quantity ol
added becomes a matter of great importance; for, if too much be
4 O
658 Materia Medica.
employed, the sugar will separate by crystallization, and if too
little, instead of preventing fermentation, it will accelerate it.
About two parts of sugar to one of fluid are the proportions di-
rected by the British colleges with this view. But, as in some
instances, a larger quantity of fluid is added, and afterwards re-
duced to the proper quantity by decoction, it will not be superflu-
ous to point out some circumstances, which show the evaporation
to have been carried far enough. These are the tendency to
form a pellicle on its surface, when a drop of it is allowed to cool,
the receding of the last portion of each drop, when poured out
drop by drop, after it is cold, and, what is most to be relied on,
its specific gravity when boiling hot, being about 1.385, or 1.3,
when cold. The syrup which remains, after all the crystallizable
sugar has been separated from it, has been much, and probably
justly, recommended by some for the preparation of medicated
syrups and electuaries, although its pharmaceutical superiority is
actually owing to its impurity.
SYRUPUS SIMPLEX, sive COMMUNIS. Ed.
Simple or Common Syrup.
Take of
Double refined sugar, fifteen parts;
Water, eight parts.
Let the sugar be dissolved by a gentle heat, and boiled a little, so
as to form a syrup. (E.)
This preparation is a plain liquid sweet, void of flavour or co-
lour; and is more convenient in extemporaneous prescription than
sugar undissolved.
SYRUPUS ACIDI ACETOSI. Ed.
Spirit of Acetous Acid.
Take of
Acetous acid, two pounds and a half;
Double refined sugar, three pounds and a half.
Boil them so as to form syrup. (E.)
This is to be considered as simple syrup merely acidulated,
and is by no means unpleasant. It is often employed in mucilagi-
nous mixtures, and the like: and, on account of its cheapness, it
is often preferred to syrup of lemons.
S. — Syrupi. 65:9
SYRUPUS ALLII. D.
Syrup of Garlic,
Take of
Garlic, sliced, one pound;
Double refined sugar, four pounds;
Boiling water, two pounds.
Macerate the garlic in the water in a close vessel for twelve hours,
and add the sugar to the strained liquor. (D.)
This is a very disagreeable syrup; but when we wish to extract
the virtues of garlic by a watery menstruum, it is the best means
we can employ.
SYRUPUS ALTHj£jE OFFICINALIS. Ed.
SYRUPUS ALTHyEit. L.
Syrup of Marshmalloxv.
Take of
Fresh marshmallow roots, one pound;
Water, ten pounds;
Double refined sugar, four pounds.
Boil the water with the roots to the consumption of one half, and
strain the liquor, strongly expressing it. Suffer the strained
liquor to rest till the feces have subsided; and to the depurated
liquor add the sugar; then boil so as to make a syrup. (E.)
This is merely a mucilaginous syrup, and is chiefly used in
nephritic cases, for sweetening emollient decoctions, and the like.
SYRUPUS AMOMI ZINGIBERIS. Ed.
Syrupus Zingiberis. L.
Syrup of Ginger.
fake of
Beat ginger, three ounces;
Boiling water, four pounds;
Double refined sugar, seven pounds and a half.
Macerate the ginger in the water in a close vessel, for twenty-four
hours; then to the liquor strained add the beat sugar, so as to
make a syrup. (E.)
This is an agreeable and moderately aromatic syrup, impreg-
nated with the flavour and virtues of the ginger.
660 Materia Medico, .
Officinal Preparations.
Electuarium catechu, D. vide Electuaria.
opiatum, E. - - - Idem.
Pilulse aloes, L. Pilulce.
scillae, L. D. - - - - Idem.
SYRUPUS CITRI AURANTII. Ed.
Syrupus Corticis Aurantii. L. D.
Syrup of Orange-Peel.
Take of
The fresh outer rind of Seville oranges, six ounces;
Boiling water, three pounds;
Double refined sugar, four pounds.
Macerate the rind in the water for iwelve hours; then add to the
filtered liquor the sugar, in powder, and apply a gentle heat, so
as to form a syrup. (E.)
In making this syrup, it is particularly necessary that the sugar
be previously powdered, and dissolved in the infusion with as gen-
tle a heat as possible, to prevent the exhalation of the volatile parts
of the peel. With these cautions, the syrup proves a very elegant
and agreeable one, possessing a great share of the fine flavour of
the orange-peel.
Officinal Preparations.
Electuarium aromaticum, E. D. - vide Electuaria,
catechu comp. D. Idem.
scammonii, D. Idem*
SYRUPUS CITRI MEDICI; olim, Syrupus Limonum. Ed..
Syrupus Limonis Succi. L. D.
Syrup of Lemons.
Take of
Juice of lemons, suffered to stand till the feces have subsided,
and afterwards strained, three parts;
Double refined sugar, five parts;
Dissolve the sugar in the juice, so as to make a syrup. (E.)
In the same way are prepared,
Syrupus Syrup of
Succi Fructus Mori. Mulberry-juice.
Rubi Id^i. L. Raspberry-juice.
Ribis Nigri. L. Black Currant-juice.
S.— Syrupi. 661
All these are very pleasant cooling syrups; and with this in-
tention they are occasionally used in draughts and juleps, for
quenching thirst, abating heat,&c. in bilious or inflammatory dis-
tempers. They are sometimes likewise employed in gargarismt
for inflammations of the mouth and tonsils.
SYRUPUS COLCHICI AUTUMNALIS. Ed.
Syrup of Colchicum.
Take of
Colchicum root, fresh and succulent, cut into small pieces, one
ounce;
Vinegar, sixteen ounces;
Double refined sugar, twenty-six ounces.
Macerate the root in the vinegar two days, now and then shak-
ing the vessel; then strain it with a gentle pressure. To the
strained liquor add the sugar, and boil a little, so as to form a
syrup. (E.)
This syrup seems to be the best preparation of the colchicum.
We must take care to gather this root in the proper season: and
from errors in ^his particular we are to ascribe the uncertainty in
the effect? oi this medicine as found in the shops.
The syrup of colchicum is often successfully employed as a
diuretic, and may be taken from a drachm or two to the extent
of an ounce or more.
SYRUPUS DIANTHI CARYOPHILLI. Ed.
Syrupus Caryophylli Rubri.
Syrup of Clove July-flower.
Take of
Clove July-flowers, fresh gathered and freed from the heels,
one pound;
Double refined sugar, seven pounds,
Boiling water, four pounds,
Macerate the petals in the water for twelve hours; then to the
strained liquor add the sugar previously beat, and dissolve it
by a gentle heat, so as to form a syrup. (E.)
As the beauty of the colour is a principal quality in this syrup,
no force in the way of expression should be used in separating the
liquor from the flowers.
Some have substituted to it one easily prepared at seasons
when the flowers are not to be procured: an ounce of clove spice
662 Materia Medica.
is infused for some days in twelve ounces of white wine, the
liquor strained, and, with the addition of twenty ounces of sugar,
boiled to a proper consistence: a little cochineal renders the co-
lour of this syrup exactly similar to that prepared from the Clove
July-flower; and its flavour is of the same kind, though not so
pleasant. The counterfeit may be readily detected by adding to
a little of the syrup some alkaline salt or ley; which will change
the genuine syrup to a green colour; but in the counterfeit it will
make no such alteration, only varying the shade of the red.
SYRUPUS CROCI. L.
Syrup of Saffron.
Take of
Saffron, one ounce;
Boiling distilled water, one pint.
Macerate the saffron, in the water, for twelve hours, in a close
vessel; and dissolve double refined sugar in the strained liquor,
that it may be made a syrup. (L.)
Saffron is very well fitted for making a syrup, as in this form
a sufficient dose of it is contained in a reasonable compass. This
syrup is a pleasant cordial, and gives a fine colour to juleps.
Officinal Preparations.
Pilulse aloes cum myrrha, L. vide Pilulcc.
galbani composite, L. Idem*
SYRUPUS MANNiE. D.
Syrup of Manna,
Take of
Manna,
Double refined sugar, each one pound;
Senna, half an ounce;
Boiling water, a pound.
Macerate the senna in the water, in a covered vessel, for twelve
hours; then, with the strained liquor mix the manna and the
sugar, so that they may be dissolved. (D.)
This syrup is a mild purgative, and well adapted to children
and persons of a delicate constitution.
S. — Syrupi. 663
SYRUPUS PAPAVERIS SOMNIFERI. Ed.
Syrupus Papaveris Albi.
Syrup of White Poppies.
Take of
White poppy-heads, dried, and freed from the seeds, two
pounds;
Boiling water, thirty pounds;
Double refined sugar, four pounds.
Macerate the sliced heads in the water for twelve hours: next
boil till only one-third part of the liquor remain; then strain
it, by expressing it strongly. Boil the strained liquor to the
consumption of one-half, and strain again; lastly, add the
sugar, and boil a little so as to form a syrup. (E.)
This syrup, impregnated with the opiate matter of the poppy
heads, is given to children in doses of two or three drachms; to
adults, from half an ounce to an ounce and upwards, for easing
pain, procuring rest, and answering the other intentions of mild
opiates. Particular care is requisite in its preparation, that it may
be always made, as nearly as possible, of the same strength; and
accordingly the colleges have been very minute in their descrip-
tion of the process.
Officinal Preparation.
Confectio opiata, L. - - - vide EJectuaria.
SYRUPUS OPII. D.
Syrup of Opium.
Take of
Extract of opium, forty-eight grains;
Boiling water, three pounds.
Macerate until the opium be dissolved, then add double refined
sugar, so as to make a syrup according to the general formula.
CD.)
This syrup is an elegant substitute for the former. It is made
with infinitely less trouble, and is always of an uniform strength.
It contains about two grains and a half of opium in the ounce.
SYRUPUS PAPAVERIS ERRATICI. L,
Syrup of Red Poppy.
Take of
The fresh flowers of the red poppy, four pounds;
Boiling distilled water, four pints and a half.
664 Materia Medica.
Put the flowers, by degrees, into the boiling water, in a water
bath, constantly stirring them. After this, the vessel being
taken out of the bath, macerate for twelve hours; then press
out the liquor, and set it apart, that the feces may subside.
Lastly, make it into a syrup, with double refined sugar. (L.)
The design of putting the flowers into boiling water in a water
bath is, that they may be a little scalded, so as to shrink enough
to be all immerged in the water; without this precaution they can
scarce be all got in: but they are to be continued no longer over
the fire than till this effect is produced, lest the liquor become too
thick, and the syrup be rendered ropy.
As a medicine it is perfectly insignificant.
SYRUPUS RHAMNI CATHARTICI. Ed
Syrupus Spin,e Cervine. L.
Syrup of Buckthorn.
iFake of
The juice of ripe buckthorn berries, depurated, two parts;
Double refined sugar, one part.
Boil them so as to form a syrup. (E.)
This preparation, in doses of three or four spoonfuls, operates
as a brisk cathartic. The principal inconveniences attending it
are, its being very unpleasant, and occasioning a thirst and dry-
ness of the mouth and fauces, and sometimes violent gripes:
these effects may be prevented by drinking liberally of water-
gruel, or other warm liquids, during the operation.
SYRUPUS ROSjE GALLICiE. Ed.
Syrup of Red Roses.
Take of
The dried petals of red roses, seven ounces;
Double refined sugar, six pounds;
Boiling water, five pounds.
Macerate the roses in the water for twelve hours, then boil them
a little and strain the liquor, add to it the sugar, and boil them
again so as to form a syrup. (E.)
This syrup is supposed to be mildly astringent; but is princi-
pally valued on account of its red colour.
Officinal Preparation.
Electuarium catechu, E. vide E/ectuaria.
S.~ Syrupi. ?>65
SYRUPUS ROS.E CENTIFOLLE. Ed.
Syrup of Damask Roses,
Syrupus RosyE. L.
Syrup of Roses.
Take of
The fresh petals of the damask rose, one pound;
Boiling water, four pounds;
Double refined 6Ugar, three pounds.
Macerate the roses in the water for a night; then to the liquor
strained, and freed from the dregs, add the sugar: boil them
into a syrup. (E.)
This syrup is an agreeable and mild purgative for children in
the dose of half a spoonful, or a spoonful. It likewise proves
gently laxative to adults; and with this intention may be of
service in costive habits.
Officinal Preparations.
Electuarium cassiae, E. L. D. - - vide Electuaria.
Electuarium scammonii, L. Idem.
SYRUPUS SCILLiE MARITIME. Ed.
Syrup of Squills.
Take of
Vinegar of squills, two pounds;
Double refined sugar in powder, three pounds and a half.
Dissolve the sugar with a gentle heat, so as to form a syrup. (E.)
This syrup was formerly prepared with some spices, intended
to diminish the offensiveness of the squills; but while they had not
this effect, they often counteracted the intention in view, and are
therefore omitted. It is used chiefly in doses of a spoonful or two,
for promoting expectoration, which it does very powerfully.
SYRUPUS TOLUIFERiE BALSAMI;
Vulgo, Syrupus Balsamicus. Ed.
Syrup of Balsam of Tolu, formerly Balsamic Syrup.
Syrupus Tolutanus. L.
Syrup of Tola.
ake of
Common syrup, two pounds;
Tincture of balsam of Tolu, one ounce.
4P
666 Materia Medic a.
With the syrup recently prepared, and when it has almost
grown cold, after it has been removed from the fire, gradually
mix the tincture with constant agitation. (E.)
In the formula of the London college, the benzoic acid of the
balsam alone is contained. That of the Edinburgh college con-
tains the whole substance of the balsam in larger quantity. They
are both moderately impregnated with the agreeable flavour of
the balsam.
SYRUPUS VIOLiE ODORATiE. Ed.
SYRUPUS VlOLyE. L. D.
Syrup of Violets.
Take of
Fresh violets, one pound;
Boiling water, four pounds;
Double refined sugar, seven pounds and a half.
Macerate the violets in the water for twenty-four hours in a glass
or a glazed earthen vessel, close covered; then strain without
expression, and to the strained liquor add the sugar, powder-
ed, and make into a syrup. (E.)
This syrup has a very agreeable flavour; and in the quantity
of a spoonful or two proves to children gently laxative. It is apt
to lose, in keeping, the elegant blue colour, for which it is chiefly
valued; and hence some have been induced to counterfeit it with
materials whose colour is more permanent, and which are more
easily obtained. This abuse may be readily discovered, by add-
ing to a little of the suspected syrup any acid or alkaline liquor.
If the syrup be genuine, the acid will change it red, and the alkali
green; but if counterfeit, these changes will not happen. From
this mutability of the colour of the violet, it forms an excellent,
test of the presence of acids and alkalies; and it is also obvious,
that a prescriber would be deceived if he should expect to give
my blue tinge to acidulated or alkalized juleps or mixtures, by
the addition of the blue syrup.
T. — Tamarindus Indica. 667
I.
Tamarindo.
p.
Tamarinho.
s.
Tamarindo.
s\v.
Tamarind.
T
TAMARINDUS INDICA. Ed.
Tamarindus. Fructus conditus. L. D.
Tamarind tree. The preserved fruit.
Willd. g. 1250. sp. 1. Monadelphia Triandria. — Nat. ord.
Lomentacece.
D. Tamarinden.
DA. Tarnarin.
F. Tamarins.
G. Tamarinden.
This tree grows both in the East and West Indies. The fruit
is a broad ash-coloured pod. The external covering is thin and
brittle, and contains several hard seeds, enveloped in a soft brown
pulp. Tamarinds are cured in two wavs. The common way is
to throw hot sugar from the boilers on the ripe pulp; but a better
method is to put alternate layers of tamarinds and powdered su-
gar in a stone jar. By this means the tamarinds preserve their
colour, and taste more agreeably.
East India tamarinds are longer than the West India sort; the
former containing six or seven seeds each, the latter rarely above
three or four.
Preserved tamarinds should be fresh and juicy, and should
have an agreeable acid taste. They should not have a musty
smell: the seeds should not be soft and swollen, and the blade of
a knife should not get a coating of copper by being immersed
amongst them.
Tamarinds contain sugar, mucilage, citric acid, super-tartrite
of potass, tartarous acid, and malic acid.
Medical use. — The pulp of these fruits, taken in the quantity of
from two or three drachms to an ounce or more, proves gently
laxative and purgative; and at the same time, by its acidity,
quenches thirst, and allays immoderate heat. It increases the ac-
tion of the purgative sweets, cassia and manna, and weakens that
of the resinous cathartics.
668 Materia Medica.
Salts, whose base is potass, form an improper addition to tama-
rind, for they are decomposed, and the tartarous acid of the fruit
is precipitated in the form of super-tartrate of potass.
Officinal Preparations.
Infusum tamarind, cum senna, E. - vide Infusa.
Electuarium cassia, E. L. D. - - Electuaria.
sennse, E. L. - - - Idem.
TANACETUM VULGARE. Folia, Flores. Ed.
Tanacetum. L. D.
Tansy. Thejlower and leaves.
Syngenesia superjlua. — Nat. ord. Compositce discoidece.
Tansy is perennial, and grows wild by road-sides and the
borders of fields, and is frequently also cuitivated in gardens, both
for culinary and medicinal uses: it flowers in June and July.
Medical use. — Considered as a medicine, it is a moderately
warm bitter, accompanied with a strong, not very disagreeable
flavour. Some physicians have had a great opinion of it in hyste-
ric disorders, particularly those proceeding from a deficiency or
suppression of the uterine purgations. The leaves and seeds have
been of considerable esteem as anthelmintics; the seeds are less
bitter, and more acrid and aromatic than those of rue, to which
they are reckoned similar; or of santonicum, for which they have
been frequently substituted. An infusion of tansy, drunk in a
manner similar to tea, has been strongly recommended as a pre-
ventive of the return of gout.
TEUCRIUM.
Willd. g. 1093. Didynamia Gymncspennia. — Nat. ord. Verticil-
latce.
TEUCRIUM MARUM. Sp. 15. Marum Syriacum. Herba.
L. D.
Syrian herb mastich.
This is a small shrubby plant, growing spontaneously in Syria,
Candy, and other warm climates, and cultivated with us in gar-
dens. The leaves have an aromatic bitterish taste; and, when
T.— Teucrium.— Tincturae. 669
rubbed betwixt the finders, a quick pungent smell, like volatile
alkali, which soon affects the head, and occasions sneezing: dis-
tilled with water, they yield a very acrid, penetrating essential
oil, resembling that of scurvy-grass. These qualities sufficiently
point out the uses to which this plant might be applied; atpresent
it is little otherwise employed than in cephalic snuffs.
Officinal Preparation.
Pulvis asari comp. E. L. D. - vide Pulveres.
TEUCRIUM SCORDIUM. Sp. 34. Scordium. Herba. L.
Water germander. The herb.
This is a small, somewhat hairy, perennial plant, growing
wild in some parts of England, though not very common: the
shops are generally supplied from gardens. It has a bitter taste,
and a strong disagreeable smell.
0 fficina i. Pre para tion.
Cataplasma cumini, L. - vide Cataphsmata.
TINCTUILE.— tinctures.
The term Tincture has often been employed in a very vague
sense. It is now commonly applied to solutions, made by diges-
tion, in alcohol, or diluted alcohol. But it is also, though perhaps
incorrectly, extended to solutions in ether, ethereal spirits, and
spirit of ammonia.
Alcohol is capable of dissolving resins, gum resins, extractive,
tannin, sugar, volatile oils, soaps, camphor, adipocere, colouring
matters, acids, alkalies, and some compound salts. Many of these,
as the gum resins, soaps, extractive, tannin, sugar, and saline sub-
stances, are also soluble in water, while water is capable of dis-
solving substances, such as gum, gelatin, and most of the com-
pound salts, which are insoluble in alcohol. But the insolubility
of these substances in the different menstrua is not absolute, but
merely relative; for a certain proportion of alcohol may be added
to a solution of gum in water without decomposing it; and a
solution of resin in alcohol will bear a certain admixture of water
without becoming turbid. Therefore, diluted alcohol, which is a
mixture of these two menstrua, sometimes extracts the virtues
of heterogenous compounds more completely than either of them
separately.
670 Materia Medica.
Alcohol is used as a menstruum,
1. When the solvend is not soluble, or sparingly soluble, in
water.
2. When a watery solution of the solvend is extreme perish-
able.
3. When the use of alcohol is indicated as well as that of the
solvend.
In making alcoholic tinctures, we must observe, that the vir-
tues of recent vegetable matters are very imperfectly extracted
by spiritous menstrua. They must, therefore, be previously care-
fully dried, and as we cannot assist the solution by means of heat,
we must facilitate it by reducing the solvend to a state of as
minute mechanical division as possible. To prevent loss, the
solution is commonly made in a close vessel, and the heat applied
must be very gentle, lest it be broken by the expansion of vapour.
The action of tinctures on the living system is always com-
pounded of the action of the menstruum, and of the matters dissolv-
ed in it. Now, these actions may either coincide with, or oppose,
each other; and as alcohol is at all times a powerful agent, it is
evident that no substance should be exhibited in the form of a
tincture, whose action is different from that of alcohol, unless it
be capable of operating in so small a dose, that the quantity of
alcohol taken along with it is inconsiderable.
Tinctures are not liable to spoil, as it is called, but they must
nevertheless be kept in well closed phials, especially when they
contain active ingredients, to prevent the evaporation of the
menstruum.
They generally operate in doses so small, that they are rarely
exhibited by themselves, but commonly combined with some ve-
hicle. In choosing the latter, we must select some substance
which does not decompose the tincture, or at least separates
nothing from it in a palpable form.
The London college direct all tinctures, except that of muriate
of iron, to be prepared in closed phials.
The Dublin college explain, that, when they order substances to
be digested, they mean it to be done with a low degree of heat;
and when they are to be macerated, it is to be done with a de-
gree of heat between 60° and 90°.
T.— Tincturse. 671
TINCTURA ALOES SOCOTORINiE. Ed.
Tincture of Socotorine Aloes.
Tinctura Aloes. L. D.
Tincture of Aloes.
Take of
Socotorine aloes, in powder, half an ounce;
Extract of liquorice, an ounce and a half;
Alcohol, four ounces;
Water, one pound.
Digest for seven days in a closed vessel, with a gentle heat, and
frequent agitation. These directions are to be observed in pre-
paring all tinctures. (E. D.)
The Dublin college use the same proportion with the Edin-
burgh college, but in double quantity; and they direct the extract
o 'iquorice to be softened in the water made boiling hot, which
facilitates its solution. The London college order the fluids by
measure; and sixteen by measure are only equal to fourteen
ounces and a half by weight.
In this simple tincture, all the active parts of the aloes are sus-
pended in the menstruum. The extract of liquorice serves both to
assist the suspension, and to cover the taste, of the aloes; and in
those cases where we wish for the operation of the aloes alone,
this is perhaps one of the best formulae for its exhibition in a fluid
state. About an ounce may be taken for a dose.
TINCTURA ALOES CUM MYRRHA. Ed.
Tincture of Aloes with Myrrh.
Tinctura Aloes Composita. L.
Compound Tincture of Aloes.
Take of
Myrrh, in powder, two ounces;
Alcohol, one pound and a half;
Water, half a pound.
Mix the alcohol with the water, then add the myrrh; digest for
four days; and, lastly, add
Socotorine aloes, one ounce and a half;
Saffron, an ounce.
Digest again for three days, and pour off the tincture from the
sediment. (E.)
This is supposed to be an improvement on the elixir propria
672 Materia Medica.
etatis of Paracelsus. This tincture differs considerably in strength
from that of the London formula; the latter contains one part of
aloes to eight of the menstruum; the former one to sixteen, while
the simple tincture already mentioned contains but one to thirty-
two. In prescription these proportions must be attended to. The
myrrh and saffron may add to its stimulating properties.
TINCTURA AMOMI REPENTIS. Ed.
Tinctura Cardamomi. L. D.
Tincture of Cardamom*
Take of
Lesser cardamom seeds, four ounces;
Diluted alcohol, two pounds and a half.
Macerate for seven days, and strain through paper. (E.)
Tincture of cardamoms has been in use for a considerable
time. It is a pleasant warm cordial; and may be taken, along with
any proper vehicle, in doses of from a drachm to a spoonful or two.
TINCTURA CARDAMOMI COMPOSITA. L. D,
Compound Tincture of Cardamom.
Take of
Lesser cardamom seeds, husked,
Cochineal,
Caraway seeds, each, powdered, two drachms;
Cinnamon, bruised, half an ounce;
Raisins, stoned, four ounces;
Proof spirit, two pints.
Digest for fourteen days, and strain. (L.)
This tincture contains so small a proportion of cardamoms a*
to be hardly entitled to derive its name from that article. Alto-
gether, although it may be sufficiently pleasant,*the composition
is injudicious; for the large proportion of raisins used forms only
a very uneconomical and inelegant method of sweetening an aro-
matic tincture.
TINCTURA ANGUSTURA. Dub.
Tincture of Angustura. ,
fake of
Angustura bark in coarse powder two ounces;
T.— Tincture. 673
Proof spirit of wine, two pints;
Digest for seven days, and filter.
Angustura bark readily gives out its active principles to alcq-
hol; hence the tincture is a convenient and useful preparation.
TINCTURA ARISTOLOCHLE SERPENTARLE. Ed.
TlNCTURA SeRPENTARIjE. L. D.
Tincture of Snake~root.
Take of
Virginian snake-root, three ounces;
Proof spirit, two pints.
Digest for eight days, and strain. (L. D.)
This tincture, which contains the whole virtues of the root,
may be taken to the quantity of a spoonful or more every five
or six hours; and to this extent it often operates as an useful
jdiaphoretic.
TINCTURA ASS.E FOETIDiE. Ed. L. D.
Tincture of Assa Fcetida.
lake of
Assa fcetida, four ounces;
Alcohol, two pounds and a half;
Digest for seven days, and strain through paper. (E.)
This tincture possesses the virtues of the assa fcetida itself;
and may be given in doses of from ten drops to fifty or sixty.
TINCTURA AURANTII CORTICIS. L. D.
Tincture of Orange-Peel.
Take of
Fresh orange peel, three ounces;
Proof spirit, two pints. ,
Digest for three days, and strain. (L. D.)
This tincture is an agreeable bitter, flavoured at the same
time with the essential oil of the orange-peel.
4 Q
674 Materia Medica.
TINCTURA BALSAMI PERUVIAN!. L,
Tincture of Balsam of Peru*
Take of
Balsam of Peru, four ounces;
Rectified spirit of wine, one pint.
Digest until the balsam be dissolved. (L.)
The whole of the Peruvian balsam is dissolved by spirit of
wine: this therefore may be considered as a good method of
freeing it from its impurities; while at the same time it is thus
reduced to a state under which it may be readily exhibited: but
at present it is very little employed, unless in composition, either
under this or any other form.
TINCTURA BENZOES COMPpSITA;
Vulgo, Balsamum Traumatigum* Ed} L.
Compound Tincture of Benzoin. \
Take of >,
Benzoin, three ounces;
Storax, strained, two ounces;
Balsam of Tolu, one ounce;
Socotorine aloes, half an ounce;
Rectified spirit of wine, two pints.
Digest with a gentle heat for three days, and strain. (E. L.)
The Edinburgh college omit the storax, and use hepatic
aloes in place of the socotorine. These differences are not very
material; and both preparations may be considered as elegant
simplifications of some very complicated compositions, which
were celebrated under different names; su,ch as Baume de Com-
mandeur, Wade's balsam, Friars balsam, Jesuits drops, &c.
These, in general, consisted of a confused farrago of discordant
substances. They, however, derived considerable activity from
the benzoin and aloes; and every thing to be expected from
them may readily be obtained from the'present formula?.
TINCTURA CAMPHORS; vulgo, Spiritus Vinosus Cam-
phoratus. Ed, Spiritus Camphoratus. L. D.
Tincture of Camphor. Camphorated Spirit,
Take of
Camphor, one ounce;
Alcohol, one pound.
T— Tinctune. 675
Mix them together, that the camphor may be dissolved.
(It may also be made with a double, triple, &c proportion of
camphor.) (E.)
This solution of camphor is only employed for external uses,
against rheumatic pains, paralytic numbnesses, inflammations,
for discussing tumours, preventing gangrenes, or restraining their
progress. They are too pungent to be exhibited internally, and
cannot be diluted with water, without being totally decomposed.
Officinal Preparation,
Aqua zinci vitriol, cum camph. L. - vide Zincum,
TINCTURA CASCARILLiE. L. D.
Tincture of Cascarilla.
Take of
The bark of cascarilla, powdered, four ounces;
Proof spirit, two pints.
Digest with a gentle heat for eight days, and strain. (L.)
Proof spirit readily extracts the active powers of the casca.-
rilla; and the tincture may be employed to answer most of those
purposes for which the bark itself is recommended: but in the
cure of intermittents, it in general requires to be exhibited m sub-
stance.
TINCTURA CASSLE SENNiE COMPOSITA;
Vulgo, Elixir Salutis. Ed,
Compound Tincture of Senna, commonly called Elixir of Health,
TlNCTURA SeNNjE. L. D.
Tincture of Senna,
Take of
Senna leaves, two ounces;
Jalap root, one ounce;
Coriander seeds, half an ounce;
Diluted alcohol, three pounds and a half.
Digest for seven days, and to the strained liquor add four ounces
of double refined sugar. (E.)
This tincture is an useful carminative and cathartic, especially
to those who have accustomed themselves to the use of spiritous
liquors; it often relieves flatulent complaints and colics, where
the common cordials have little effect: the dose is from one to
two ounces.
676 Materia Medica.
TINCTURA CASTOREI. Ed. L. D.
Tincture of Castor,
Take of
Russian Castor, powdered, two ounces;
Proof spirit, two pints.
Digeskfor ten days, and strain. (L.)
It has been disputed whether a weak or rectified spirit, and
whether cold or warm digestion, are preferable for making this
tincture.
From several experiments made to determine this question, it
appears that castor, macerated without heat, gives out its finer and
most grateful parts to either spirit, but most perfectly to the rec-
tified; that heat enables both menstrua to extract the greatest part
of its grosser and more nauseous matter: and that proof spirit ex-
tracts this last more readily than rectified.
The tincture of castor is recommended in most kinds of ner-
vous complaints and hysteric disorders: in the latter, it sometimes
does service, though many have complained of its proving inef-
fectual. The dose is from twenty drops to forty, fifty, or more.
Officinal Preparation.
Tinctura sabinae composita. L.
TINCTURA CINCHONiE OFFICINALIS. Ed.
Tinctura Corticis Peruviani. L. D.
Tincture of Cinchona, or Peruvian Bark*
Take of
Cinchona bark, four ounces,
Diluted alcohol, two pounds and a half.
Digest for seven days, and strain through paper. (E.)
This tincture is certainly impregnated with the virtues of cin-
chona, but not to such a degree that it can he given in sufficient
doses to act as cinchona, without exhibiting more alcohol than is
proper to be given as a medicine. Indeed, we are afraid that
this and other bitter and tonic tinctures, as they are called, are
with some only an apology for dram-drinking, and that the most
apparent effects they produce are those of a slight degree of in-
toxication.
T. — Tincturae.
TINCTURA CINCHONA, sive CORTICIS PERU-
VIANI COMPOSITA. L. D.
Compound Tincture of Peruvian Bark,
e of
Peruvian bark, powdered, two ounces;
Exterior peel of Seville oranges, dried, half an ounce;
Virginian snake-root, bruised, three drachms;
Saffron, one drachm;
Proof spirit, two pounds.
Digest for fourteen days, and strain. (D.)
This has been for a considerable time celebrated under the ti-
tle of Huxham's Tincture of Bark.
As a corroborant and stomachic, it is given in does of two or
three drachms: but when employed for the cure of intermittents,
it must be taken to a greater extent.
TINCTURA COLOMBO. Ed. L. D.
Tincture of Colombo.
Jake of
Colomba root, powdered, two ounces,
Proof spirit of wine, two pints.
Digest for seven days, and strain. (E. D.)
The colomba readily yields its active qualities to the men-
struum here employed; and accordingly, under this form, it may
be advantageously employed against bilious vomitings, and those
different stomach complaints, in which the colomba has been
found useful; but where there does not occur some objection to
its use in substance, that form is in general preferable to the
tincture.
TINCTURA CONVOLVULI JALAPjE. Ed.
TlNCTURA JALAPS. L. D.
Tincture of Jalap.
Take of
Jalap, in coarse powder, three ounces;
Diluted alcohol, fifteen ounces.
Digest them for seven days, and strain the tincture through paper.
(E.)
Alcohol was formerly ordered for the preparation of this tine-
678 Materia Medica.
ture; but diluted alcohol is a preferable menstruum, as it dissolves
the active constituents of the jalap as well as pure alcohol, and is
less stimulating.
TINCTURA CROCI. Ed.
Tincture of Saffron. \
Take of
English saffron, one ounce;
Diluted alcohol, fifteen ounces.
After digesting them for seven days, let the tincture be strained
through paper. (E.)
The proof spirit is a very proper menstruum for extracting the
medical virtues of the saffron, and affords a convenient mode of
exhibiting that drug, the qualities of which have been already
mentioned.
TINCTURA DIGITALIS PURPUREA. Ed.
Tincture of Foxglove.
Take of
The dried leaves of foxglove, one ounce;
Diluted alcohol, eight ounces.
Digest for seven days, and strain through paper. (E.)
This tincture is a very powerful medicine, and contains the
virtues of the foxglove in a very manageable form. It has been
chiefly used to diminish the force of the circulation of the blood
in haemoptysis, and often with remarkable success. It has been
also said to cure phthisis pulmonalis, but subsequent experience
has not confirmed the first trials. Like every other form in which
foxglove is given, it should be given in very small does at first,
such as from ten to twenty drops, and cautiously increased.
TINCTURA FERRI MURIATI. L. D.
Tincture of Muriated Iron.
TlNCTURA MURIATIS FeRRI. Ed.
Tincture of Muriate of Iron.
Take of
The rust of iron, half a pound;
Muriatic acid, three pounds;
Rectified spirit of wine, three pints.
T. — Tincturae. 679
£our the muriatic acid on the rust of iron in a glass vessel; and
shake the mixture now and then during three days. Set it by,
that the feces may subside; then pour off the liquor; evaporate
this to one pint, and, when cold, add to it the vinous spirit.
(L.)
In making this preparation, each of the colleges uses iron in
a different state; the Dublin college, metallic iron; the Edin-
burgh, the black oxide; and the London college, the carbonate
of the red oxide. There is no difference between the solutions
of iron and of its black oxide; because the iron is converted into
the state of black oxide, by the decomposition of the water,
before it is dissolved; and accordingly, when iron is dissolved in
muriatic acid, there is a disengagement of hydrogen gas; where-
as the black oxide is dissolved without any effervescence. But
muriatic acid is capable of combining either with the black or
red oxides of iron, and forms with each, salts, having distinctive
properties.
The red muriate of iron is not crystallizable; has a dark orange
colour; is deliquescent; forms a brown red solution, having a very
astringent taste; and is soluble in alcohol. The green muriate is
crystallizable; has little colour; is very soluble in water, forming
a pale green solution; and is insoluble in alcohol. But the aqueous
solution of green muriate attracts oxvgen so rapidly from the at-
mosphere, that unless the access of the air be totally excluded, it
is always partially converted into red muriate. The solutions of
iron and of its black oxide, are accordingly found, always to con-
tain a greater or less proportion of red muriate, and are therefore
not uniform or constant in their properties. Besides, as it is only
the red muriate which is soluble in alcohol, it appears to us that
it is better, according to the directions of the London college, to
use the red carbonate of iron, by which means we obtain an un-
mixed and permanent solution of the red muriate. Muriate of
iron is also formed, when we dissolve the sulphuret of iron in
muriatic acid for the purpose of procuring sulphuretted hydro-
gen gas. It is also the residuum which remains in the retort after
the sublimation of muriate of ammonia and iron.
When well prepared, the alcoholic solution of muriate of iron
has a yellowish colour, and very astringent taste. It is an excel-
lent chalybeate, and may be given in doses of ten or twenty drops
twice or thrice a-day, in any proper vehicle.
680 Materia Medica,
TINCTURA FERRI AMMONIACALIS. i
Tincture of Ammoniacal Iron.
Take of
Ammoniacal iron, four ounces;
Proof spirit, one pint.
Digest and strain. (L.)
This is merely a spiritous solution of the Ammoniacal Iron,
and is a much less elegant medicine than the simple tincture of
muriate of Iron.
TINCTURA FERRI ACETATI. D.
Tincture of Acetated Iron,
Take of
Acetated kali, two ounces;
Sulphate of iron, one ounce;
Rectified spirit of wine, two pints.
Rub the acetate of kali and sulphate of iron in an earthen ware
mortar, until they unite into a soft mass; then dry it with a
moderate heat, and triturate it, when dried, with the spirit.
Digest the mixture in a well-corked phial for seven days,
shaking it occasionally. Lastly, after the faeces have subsided,
pour off the liquor. D.
The acetate of potass and sulphate of iron decompose each
other, and form acetate of iron, and sulphate of potass. But as
the sulphate of potass is not soluble in alcohol, the solution, after
filtration, is an alcoholic solution of acetate of iron. The acetic
acid is also capable of combining with both oxides of iron, and
as the iron in the sulphate is in the state of black oxide, which
has a strong attraction for oxygen, it is probable that the acetate
prepared in the way directed is a mixed acetate.
It has an extremely styptic taste, and is given in doses of
thirty or forty drops.
TINCTURA ACETATIS FERRI CUM ALCOHOL.
Dub.
Tincture of Acetate of Iron -with Alcohol
Is prepared exactly as the preceding tincture, with the sub-
stitution of one pjint of alcohol for the two pints of rectified
spirit.
T._ Tincture. 681
This is probably an unmixed tincture of acetate of potass and
red oxide of iron, as alcohol is incapable of dissolving the green
salts of iron, but dissolves the red salts readily.
TINCTURA GALBANI. L.
Tincture of Galbanum.
Take of
Galbanum, cut into small pieces, two ounces;
Proof spirit of wine, two pints.
Digest with a gentle heat for eight days, and strain. (L.)
Galbanum is one of the strongest of the fetid gums; and al-
though less active, it is much less disagreeable than assa fcetida;
and under the form of tincture it may be successfully employed in
cases of ilatulence and hysteria, where its effects are immediately
required, particularly with those who cannot bear assa fcetida.
TINCTURA GALLARUM. Dub.
Tincture of Galls.
Take of
Galls, in powder, four ounces;
Proof spirit, two pints.
Mix; digest for seven days, and filter.
This tincture, now for the first time introduced into practice
by the Dublin college, is, I have no doubt, the most powerful
of all the astringent tinctures.
TINCTURA GENTIANS COMPOSITA; vulgo, Elixir
Stomachicum. Ed. L.
Compound Tincture of Gentian, commonly called Stomachic
Elixir.
Take of
Gentian root, two ounces;
Seville orange-peel, dried, one ounce;
Canella alba, half an ounce;
Cochineal, half a drachm;
Diluted alcohol, two pounds and a half,
lacerate for seven days, and strain through paper. (E.)
4R
682 Materia Medica.
This is a very elegant spiritous bitter. As the preparation is
designed for keeping, lemon peel, an excellent ingredient in the
watery bitter infusions, has, on account of the perishableness of its
flavour, no place in this. The aromatics are here very commodi-
ous ingredients, as in this spiritous menstruum they are free from
the inconvenience with which they are attended in other liquors,
of diminishing their transparency.
TINCTURA GUAIACI. Ed.
Tincture of Guaiac.
Take of
Gum guaiac, one pound;
Alcohol, two pounds and a half.
Digest for ten days, and strain. (E.)
What is called gum guaiac is in fact a resin, and perfectly
soluble in alcohol. This solution is a powerful stimulating sudori-
fic, and may be given in doses of about half an ounce in rheuma-
tic and arthritic cases. It was once supposed to be a specific
against the gout.
TINCTURA HELLEBORI NIGRI. Ed. L. D.
Tincture of Black Hellebore.
Take
Black hellebore root, four ounces;
Cochineal, half a drachm;
Diluted alcohol, two pounds and a half.
Digest them together seven days, and afterwards filter the tinc-
ture through paper. (E.)
This is perhaps the best preparation of hellebore, when de-
signed for an alterative, the menstruum here employed extracting
the whole of its virtues. It has been found, from experience, par-
ticularly serviceable in uterine obstructions. In sanguine consti-
tutions, where chalybeates are hurtful, it has been said that it sel-
dom fails of exciting the menstrual evacuations, and removing
the ill consequences of their suppression. A tea spoonful of the
tincture may be taken twice a day in warm water or any other
convenient vehicle
T.— Tincturse. 6B3
TINCTURA HYOSCIAMI NIGRI. Ed.
Tincture of Henbane.
Take of
The leaves of henbane, dried, one ounce;
Diluted alcohol, eight ounces.
Digest for seven days, and strain through paper. (E.)
This tincture, although not yet come into general use, is a
valuable anodyne, and in many cases may be substituted with ad-
vantage for the tincture of opium, especially where the latter
produces obstinate constipation, or, instead of its usual soporific
and sedative effects, it causes uneasiness, restlessness, and uni-
versal irritation.
TINCTURA KINO. Ed. D.
Tincture of Kino.
Take of
Kino, in powder, two ounces;
Diluted alcohol, a pound and a half.
Digest seven days, and strain through paper. (E.)
We have already stated our reasons for believing kino to be a
species of tannin. This is certainly a very astringent tincture, and
will be found an excellent medicine in obstinate diarrhoeas and in
lienteria.
TINCTURA LAURI CINNAMOMI. Ed.
TlNCTURA ClNNAMOMI. L. D.
Tincture of Cinnamon.
Take of
Cinnamon, three ounces;
Diluted alcohol, two pounds and a half.
Macerate for seven days, and strain through paper. (E.)
The tincture of cinnamon possesses the astringent virtues of
the cinnamon, as well as its aromatic cordial ones; and in this
respect it differs from the distilled waters of that spice.
684 ' Materia Medica.
.TINCTURA LAURI CINNAMOMI COMPOSITA;
olim, Tinctura Aromatica. Ed,
Compound Tincture of Cinnamon, formerly Aromatic Tincture.
Tinctura Cinnamomi Composita. L.
Tinctura Aromatica, E.
Aromatic Tincture,
Take of
Cinnamon, bruised, six drachms;
Lesser cardamom seeds, without the capsules, one drachm,
Long pepper, in powder,
Ginger, in powder, two drachms;
Proof spirit, two pounds.
Mix and digest for seven days, then strain. (D.)
In their formula, the London and Dublin colleges diminish
the quantity of cardamom seeds, and substitute for it a proportion
of ginger. This makes no alteration in the virtues of the prepara-
tion, which is a very warm aromatic, too hot to be given without
dilution. A tea spoonful or two may be taken in wine, or any
other convenient vehicle, in languors, weakness of the stomach,
flatulencies, and other similar complaints; and in these cases it is
often employed with advantage.
Officinal Preparation.
iEther sulphuricus cum alcohole aromaticus, E. vide Tinctura;,
TINCTURA LAVENDULiE COMPOSITA. D.
SPIRITUS LAVENDULyE SPICvE CoMPOSITUS. Ed,
Compound Tincture, or Spirit of Lavender.
Spiritus LAVENDULyE Compositus. L,
Compound Spirit of Lavender,
Take of
Spirit of lavender, three pounds;
Spirit of rosemary, one pound;
Cinnamon, one ounce;
Cloves, two drachms;
Nutmeg, half an ounce;
Red saunders wood, three drachms.
Macerate for seven days, and filter. (E.)
This preparation is a grateful cordial, of which from ten to a
hundred drops may be conveniently taken dropped upon sugar.
T.—Tincturae. 685
It does not appear very clearly whether it should be considered
as a spirit or tincture; for although the spirit of lavender be the
predominant ingredient, yet the mode of preparation is that of a
tincture, and the spirit as a menstruum dissolves astringent co-
louring, and other substances, which would not rise with it in
distillation.
TINCTURA MELOES VESICATORII. Ed.
Tinctura Cantharidum. D. Tinctura Cantharidis. L.
Tincture of Cantharides. Tincture of Spanish Flies.
Take of
Cantharides, bruised, one drachm;
Proof spirit, one pound.
Mix and digest for seven days; then strain through paper. (E.)
This tincture contains the active principle of the cantharides,
whatever it may be. It is applied externally as a stimulant and
rubefacient, and is sometimes given internally, in doses of from
ten to twenty drops, as a diuretic.
TINCTURA MIMOSA CATECHU;
olim, Tinctura Japonica. Ed.
Tinctura Catechu. L.
Tincture of Catechu.
Take of
Extract of catechu, three ounces;
Cinnamon, two ounces;
Diluted alcohol, two pounds and a half.
Digest for eight days, and strain through paper. (E.)
The cinnamon is a very useful addition to the catechu, not
only as it warms the stomach, &c. but likewise as it improves the
roughness and astringency of the other.
This tincture is of service in all kinds of defluctions, catarrhs,
loosenesses, uterine fluxes, and othetfdisorders, where astringent
medicines are indicated. Two or three tea spoonfuls may be taken
every now and then in red wine, or any other proper vehicle,
686 Materia Medica.
TINCTURA MOSCHI. D.
Tincture of Musk.
Take of
Musk, two drachms;
Rectified spirit of wine, one pound.
Mix and macerate for seven days, and strain. (D.)
Rectified spirit is the most complete menstruum for musk;
but in this form it is often impossible to give such a quantity of
the musk as is necessary for our purpose;, and hence this article
is more frequency employed under the form of julep or bolus.
TINCTURA MYRRHiE. Ed. L. D.
Tincture of Myrrh*
Take of
Myrrh, in powder, three ounces;
Alcohol, twenty ounces;
Water, ten ounces.
Digest for seven days, and strain through paper. (E.)
Tincture of myrrh is recommended internally as a cardiac,
for removing obstructions, particularly those of the uterine ves-
sels, and resisting putrefaction. The dose is from fifteen drops
to forty or more. The medicine may perhaps be given in these
cases to advantage; though with us, it is more commonly used
externally, for cleansing foul ulcers, and promoting the exfolia-
tion of carious bones.
Officinal Preparations.
Tinctura sabinse composita, L.
Trochisci glycyrrhizse cum opio, D. - vide Trochisci.
TINCTURA OPII, sive THEBAICA;
Vulgo, Laudanum Liojjidum. Ed. L. D.
Tincture ofOpiumy or Thebaic Tincture^ commonly called Liq^d
Laudanum,
Take of
Opium, two ounces; - (
Diluted alcohol, two pounds.
Digest seven days, and filter through paper. (E. L. D.)
T.— Tincturse. 687
Tihs is a very elegant liquid opiate; a drachm of it contain-
ing, as is found by evaporating the tincture, three grains and a
half of pure opium.
It is to be regretted that this tincture is not so well adapted for
keeping as could be wished: when long kept, a part of the opium
is gradually deposited, and consequently the tincture becomes
weaker: the part which thus separates, amounts sometimes, as it
is said, to near one fourth of the quantity of opium at first
dissolved.
TINCTURA OPII CAMPHORATA. L.
Olim, Elixir Paregoricum. D.
Camphorated Tincture of Opium. Paregoric Elixir.
Take of
Hard purified opium,
Flowers of benzoin, of each one drachm; .
Camphor, two scruples;
Essential oil of aniseed, one drachm;
Proof spirit of wine, two pints.
Digest for ten days, and strain. (L.)
In this formula the virtues of the opium and camphor are com-
bined. It gets an agreeable flavour from the acid of benzoin and
essential oil. The latter will also render it more stimulating; but
whether it derives any salutary virtues from the foYmer, we do
not know. It was originally prescribed under the title of Elixir
Asthmaticum, which it does not ill deserve. It contributes to allay
the tickling which provokes frequent coughing; and at the same
time it is supposed to open the breast, and give greater liberty of
breathing. It is given to children against the chincough, &c. from
five drops to twenty: to adults, from twenty to a hundred. Half
an ounce, by measure, contains about a grain of opium. It is to
be regretted that the Paregoric Elixir of the Edinburgh Dispen-
satory, (see Tinctura Opii Ammoniata) is so greatly superior in
strength to the above; half an ounce containing four grains of
opium.
TINCTURA QUASSLE. Dub.
Tincture of Quassia.
T<*eof
Shavings of quassia, one ounce;
Proof spirit, two pints.
Digest for seven days, and filter.
As the Dublin college have introduced into their Pharmaco-
688 Materia Medica.
pceia the most powerful of all astringent tinctures, in the present
instance, they have also first directed a tincture to be prepared
from the purest and most intense of all bitters.
TINCTURA RHEI PALMATI. Ed.
Tinctura Rha'barbari. L. D.
Tincture of Rhubarb.
Take of
Rhubarb, three ounces;
Lesser cardamom seeds, half an ounce;
Diluted alcohol, two pounds and a half.
Digest for seven days, and strain through paper. (E.)
TINCTURA RHABARBARI COMPOSITA. L,
Compound Tincture of Rhubarb.
Take of
Rhubarb, sliced, two ounces;
Liquorice root, bruised, half an ounce;
Ginger, powdered,
Saffron, each two drachms;
Distilled water, one pint;
Proof spirit of wine, twelve ounces, by measure.
Digest for fourteen days, and strain. (L.)
TINCTURA RHEI CUM ALOE; olim, Elixir
Sacrum. Ed.
Tincture of Rhubarb with Aloes, commonly called Sacred Elixir.
Take of
Rhubarb, ten drachms;
Socotorine aloes, six drachms;
Lesser cardamom seeds, half an ounce;
Diluted alcohol, two pounds and a half.
Digest for seven days, and strain through paper. (E.)
T. — Tincturae. 689
TINCTURA RHEI CUM GENTIANA;
Olim, Tinctura Rhei Amara. Ed.
Tincture of Rhubarb with Gentian, formerly, Bitter Tincture- of
Rhubarb.
Take of
Rhubarb, two ounces;
Gentian root, half an ounce;
Diluted alcohol, two pounds and a half.
Digest for seven days, and then strain the tincture through paper.
(E.)
All the foregoing tinctures of rhubarb are designed as stoma-
chics and corroborants, as well as purgatives: spiritous liquors
excellently extract those parts of the rhubarb in which the two first
qualities reside, and the additional ingredients considerably pro-
mote their efficacy. In weakness of the stomach, indigestion, lax-
ity of the intestines, diarrhoeas, colic, and other similar complaints,
these medicines are frequently of great service.
TINCTURA SABINE COMPOSITA. L.
Compound Tincture of Savin.
lake of
Extract of savin, one ounce;
Tincture of castor, one pint;
myrrh, half a pint.
Digest till the extract of savin be dissolved, and then strain. (L.)
This preparation is improved from one described in some for-
mer dispensatories under the name of Elixir Uterinum. It is said
to be a medicine of great importance in uterine obstructions, and
in hypochondriacal cases; though, possibly, means might be con-
trived of superadding more effectually the virtues of savin to a
tincture of myrrh and castor. It may be given from five drops to
twenty or thirty, or more, in any suitable vehicle.
4 S
690 Materia Medico
TINCTURA SAPONIS. Ed.
Tincture of Soap.
LlNIMENTUM SAPONIS COMPOSITUM. L.
Compound Soap Liniment.
LlNIMENTUM SAPONACEUM. D.
Saponaceous Liniment.
Take of
Castile soap, two ounces;
Camphor, one ounce;
Alcohol,
Water, each eight ounces;
Essential oil of rosemary, two scruples.
Dissolve the soap in the water over a gentle fire; strain the liquor
through linen; and when it is almost cold, add the camphor and
oil, dissolved in the alcohol. (D.)
Officinal Preparation.
Linimentum volatile, D. - vide Tincturcevolatiles.
TINCTURA SAPONIS cum OPIO; olim, Linimentum
Anodynum. Ed.
Tincture of Soap with Opium, formerly Anodyne Liniment.
This is prepared in the same way, and from the same substances,
as the simple tincture of soap, but with the addition from the
beginning of one ounce (half an ounce to conform to the Dub-
lin formula) of opium. (E.)
These tinctures are only used externally, and possess great
efficacy in removing local pains when rubbed on the affected part.
TINCTURA SCILLiE. L. D.
Tincture of Squill.
Take of
Squills, fresh dried, four ounces;
Proof spirit of wine, two pints.
Digest for eight days, and pour off the liquor. (L.)
The active principle of squills is soluble in alcohol, and there
are cases in which a tincture may be useful.
T.— Tincture. 691
TINCTURA TOLUIFERiE BALSAMI; olim, Tincture
TOLUTANA. Ed.
Tinctura Balsamica Tolutani. L. D.
Tincture of the Balsam of Tolu.
Take of
Balsam of Tolu, one ounce;
Alcohol, one pound.
Digest until the balsam be dissolved; and then strain the tincture
through paper. (E. D.)
This solution of balsam of Tolu possesses all the virtues of the
balsam itself. It may be taken internally, with the several inten-
tions for which that valuable balsam is proper, to the quantity of
a tea spoonful or two, in any convenient vehicle. Mixed with the
plain syrup of sugar, it forms an elegant balsamic syrup.
TINCTURA VALERIANAE. L.
Tincture of Valerian.
Take of
The root of wild valerian, in coarse powder, four ounces;
Proof spirit of wine, two pints.
Digest with a gentle heat for eight days, and strain. (L.)
The valerian root ought to be reduced to a pretty fine powder,,
otherwise the spirit will not sufficiently extract its virtues. The
tincture proves of a deep colour, and considerably strong of the
valerian; though it has not been found to answer so well in the
cure of epileptic disorders as the root in substance, exhibited in
the form of powder or bolus. The dose of the tincture is, from
half a spoonful to a spoonful, or more, two or three times a-day.
TINCTURA VERATRI ALBI. Ed.
Tincture of White Hellebore.
Take of
White hellebore root, eight ounces;
Diluted alcohol, two pounds and a half.
Digest them together for seven days, and filter the tincture through
paper. (E.)
This tincture is sometimes used for assisting cathartics, &c.
and as an emetic in apoplectic and maniacal disorders. It may
likewise be so managed, as to prove a powerful alterative and
t
692 Materia Medica.
deobstruent, in cases where milder remedies have little effect.
But a great deal of caution is requisite in its use: the dose, at
first, ought to be only a few drops; if considerable, it proves vio-
lendy emetic or cathartic.
TINCTURA ZINGIBERIS. L.
Tincture of Ginger,
Take of
Ginger, powdered, two ounces;
Proof spirit, two pounds.
Digest in a gentle heat for eight days, and strain. (L.)
This simple tincture of ginger is a warm cordial, and is rather
intended as an useful addition, in the quantity of a drachm or
two, to purging mixtures, than for being used alone.
TINCTURiE iETHERE^E.
ETHEREAL TINCTURES.
We have classed these tinctures by themselves, because they
are more strongly characterised by the nature of the menstruum
than of the substances dissolved in it. Indeed, the ethereal spirits
are used in these instances, not to dissolve bodies which would
resist the action of alcohol and water, but for the sake of their
own direct action on the body.
TINCTURA ALOES jETHEREA. Ed.
Ethereal Tincture of Aloes.
Take of
Myrrh,
Socotorine aloes, of each an ounce and a half;
English saffron, one ounce;
Sulphuric ether with alcohol, one pound.
Digest the myrrh with the liquor for four days, in a close vessel;
then add the saffron and aloes.
Digest again for four days, and, when the feces have subsided,
pour off the tincture. (E.)
This tincture agrees generally in its effects with the other
tinctures of aloes, the only difference arising from the more pe-
netrating and stimulating nature of the menstruum itself.
T.— Tinctura jEthereae. 693
jETHER SULPHURICUS cum ALCOHOLE AROMA-
TICUS. Ed.
Aromatic Sulphuric Ether with Alcohol
This is made of the same aromatics, and in the same manner, as
the compound tincture of cinnamon (p. 684); except that, in
place of the alcohol, sulphuric ether with alcohol is employed.
(E.)
This is designed for persons whose stomachs are too weak to
bear the following acid tincture: to the taste, it is gratefully
aromatic, without any perceptible acidity.
ACIDUM SULPHURICUM AROMATICUM. Ed.
Aromatic Sulphuric Acid.
Take of
Alcohol, two pounds;
Sulphuric acid, six ounces.
Drop the acid gradually into the alcohol.
Digest the mixture with a very gentle heat in a close vessel for
three days, and then add of
Cinnamon, an ounce and a half;
Ginger, one ounce.
Digest again in a close vessel for six days, and then filter the
tincture through paper placed in a glass funnel. (E.J
Although the name given to this preparation by the college
does not sanction its arrangement with the ethereal tinctures, yet
we have ventured to place it here, from the belief that the alcohol
is completely or partially changed, by the digestion with the acid,
into an ethereal spirit, and that the principal difference between
this and the preceding tincture consists in the presence of the acid,
which is not to be considered as the menstruum by which the
tincture is formed, but as an acid mixed with the ethereal tinc-
ture. This is commonly known as the Acid Elixir of Vitriol.
This is a valuable medicine in weakness and relaxations of the
stomach, and decays of constitution, particularly in those which
proceed from irregularities, which are accompanied with slow
febrile symptoms, or which follow the suppression of intermit-
tents. It frequently succeeds, after bitters and aromatics by
themselves had availed nothing; and, indeed, great part of its
virtues depend on the sulphuric acid; which, barely diluted with
water, has, in those cases where the stomach could bear the
acidity, produced happy effects.
694 Materia Medica.
It is very usefully conjoined with cinchona, and other tonic
barks, both as covering their disagreeable taste, and as coinciding
with them in virtue. It may be given in doses of ten to thirty
drops, or more, several times a-day.
TINCTURjE AMMONIATjE
SEU
VOLATILES.
AMMONIATED OR VOLATILE TINCTURES.
Ammonia, like ether, is so powerful an agent on the living
system, that we think it gives a peculiar character to the compo-
sitions into which it enters. They are all highly stimulating and
pungent, and apt to excite diaphoresis. As ammonia exerts con-
siderable and peculiar powers as a solvent, these tinctures must
never be combined in prescription with any thing acid, which
would not only neutralize the ammonia, and destroy its peculiar
action on the living system, but would precipitate whatever was
dissolved by its agency.
LINIMENTUM CAMPHORS COMPOSITUM. L.
Compound Camphor Liniment,
LlNIMENTUM CAMPHORATUM. D.
Camphorated Liniment*
Take of
Camphor, two ounces;
Water of pure ammonia, six ounces;
Spirit of lavender, sixteen ounces.
Mix the water of ammonia with the spirit; and distil from a glass
retort, with a slow fire, sixteen ounces. Then dissolve the cam-
phor in the distilled liquor. (L.)
This composition is more pungent and penetrating than the
solutions of camphor in alcohol. In the quarto impression of
their pharmacopoeia, the London college employed the solution
of carbonated ammonia, but changed it in the octavo edition for
the water of pure ammonia, which is certainly an improvement.
T. — Tincturae Ammoniatse . 695
LINIMENTUM VOLATILE. D.
Volatile Liniment.
Take of
The aromatic spirit of volatile alkali, one ounce;
Liniment of soap, two ounces.
Mix them. (D.)
This is an entirely different composition from the volatile
liniment of the Edinburgh and London pharmacopoeias. The
latter is a soap formed of ammonia and fixed oil, whereas the
present is an ammoniated tincture of camphor, soap of soda, and
volatile oils. In its effects it differs from the soap-liniment of the
Dublin college only in being more stimulating.
ALCOHOL AMMONIATUM AROMATICUM, sive
SPIRITUS AMMONLE AROMATICUS. Ed.
Aromatic Ammoniated Alcohol, or Aromatic Spirit of Ammonia.
Spiritus Ammonia Compositus. L.
Compound Spirit of Ammonia.
Spiritus Alkali Volatilis Aromaticus. D.
Aromatic Spirit of Volatile Alkali.
Take of
Ammoniated alcohol, eight ounces;
Volatile oil of rosemary, one drachm and a half;
Volatile oil of lemon-peel, one drachm.
Mix them that the oils may be dissolved. (E.)
Volatile oils are dissolved readily and completely by spirit
of ammonia: and medicines of this kind might be prepared ex-
temporaneously, by dropping any proper essential oil into spirit
of ammonia, which will immediately dissolve the oil without the
assisvance of distillation. But it is perhaps preferable that they
should be kept in the shops ready mixed.
' The foregoing composition is an excellent one, provided the
oils are good. The dose is from five or six drops to sixty or more.
Ammonia, thus united with aromatics, is not only more agree-
able in flavour, but likewise more acceptable to the stomach, and
less acrimonious than vmcombined.
696 Materia Medica.
Officinal Preparations,
Linimentum volatile, D.
Tinctura cinchona? ammoniata, L.
guaiaci volat. L. D.
volatilis ammonise, L. D.
SPIRITUS AMMONIA SUCCINATUS. L.
Succinated Spirit of Ammonia.
Fake of
Alcohol, one ounce, by weight;
Water of pure ammonia, four ounces, by measure;
Rectified oil of amber, one scruple, by weight;
Soap, ten grains.
Digest the soap and oil of amber in the alcohol till they be dis-
solved: then add the water of pure ammonia, and mix them by
shaking. (L.)
This preparation is intended as a substitute for Eau de Luce,
which was formerly imported entirely from Paris. It is now, we
believe, prepared also by the chemists and druggists in London;
but without some peculiar manipulation, which is kept secret, the
above formula does not succeed in giving the liquor that perma-
nent milky opacity, which is deemed essential to good Eau de
Luce, for it becomes more or less transparent by keeping. This
fancied perfection is, however, in a medical point of view, im-
material; and whether it be opaque or transparent, it is an excel-
lent analeptic remedy, and may be used in the same circum-
stances, and in the same doses, as the spirit of ammonia itself.
TINCTURA CASTOREI COMPOSITA. Ed.
Compound Tincture of Castor*
Take of
Russia castor, one ounce;
Assa fcetida, half an ounce;
Ammoniated alcohol, one pound. -
Digest for seven days in a close stopped phial, and filter through
paper. (E.)
This composition is a medicine of real efficacy, particularly in
hysterical disorders, and the several symptoms which accompany
T. — Tincturas Ammoniatae. 697
them. The spirit here used is an excellent menstruum, both for
the castor and the assa fceticla, and greatly adds to their virtues.
TINCTURA CINCHONA AMMONIATA. L.
Ammoniated Tincture of Cinchona,
Take of
Cinchona, powdered, four ounces;
Compound spirit of ammonia, two pints.
Digest in a close vessel for ten days, and strain. (L.)
We are not acquainted with this tincture; but from our know-
ledge of the active principles of cinchona bark, we are not dis-
posed to think it a very judicious preparation; for the nature of
the menstruum is so stimulating, that little effect can be expected
from any portion of the bark it is capable of dissolving.
TlNCTURA £UAIACI AMMONIATA. Ed,
Ammoniated Tincture ofGuaiac.
TlNCTURA GUAIACI. L. TlNCTURA GtJAIACI VoLATILIS. D.
Ti
Tincture ofGuaiac, Volatile Tincture ofGuaiac,
'ake of
Gum guaiac, four ounces;
Ammoniated alcohol, one pound and a half.
Digest for seven days, and filter through paper. (E.)
This is a very elegant and efficacious tincture; the ammonia-
ted spirit readily dissolving the resin, and at the same time pro-
moting its medicinal virtue. In rheumatic cases, a tea, or even
table, spoonful, taken every morning and evening in any conve-
nient vehicle, particularly in milk, has proved of singular service.
TlNCTURA OPII AMMONIATA; olim, Elixir Pare-
goricum. Ed,
Ammoniated Tincture of Opium, formerly Paregoric Elixir,
Take of
Benzoic acid,
English saffron, of each three drachms;
Opium, two drachms;
4 T
698 Materia Medica.
Essential oil of aniseed, half a drachm;
Ammoniated alcohol, sixteen ounces.
Digest for seven days, in a close vessel, and strain. (E.)
This is a preparation of considerable efficacy in many spas-
modic diseases, as chincough, &c. the ammonia removing the
spasm immediately, while the opium tends to prevent its return.
Each drachm contains about a grain of opium.
TINCTURA VALERIANA AMMONIATA. L. D.
Ammoniated Tincture of Valerian,
Take of
Wild valerian, in coarse powder, four ounces;
Compound spirit of ammonia, two pints.
Digest for seven days in a vessel closely covered, and strain. (D.)
The compound spirit of ammonia is here an excellent men-
struum, and at the same time considerably promotes the virtues
of the valerian, which in some cases wants assistance of this kind.
The dose may be a tea spoonful or two.
TOLUIFERA BALSAMUM. Balsamum. Ed.
Balsamum Tolutanum- L. D.
Balsam of Tolu.
Willd. g* 828. sp. 1. Decandria Monogynia. — Nat. ord. Lomen-
tacece.
This tree grows in Spanish America, and the balsam flows
from incisions made in its bark, during the hot season, and is
brought to us in gourd shells. It is of a yellowish-brown colour,
inclining to red: in consistence thick and tenacious: by age it
grows hard and brittle, without suffering any great loss of its
more valuable parts. The smell of this balsam is extremely fra-
grant, somewhat resembling that of lemons; its taste warm and
sweetish. Lewis says that he has sometimes procured benzoic
acid from it; it yields very little volatile oil, although it impreg-
nates the distilled water strongly with its flavour. By dissolving
a proper quantity of sugar in this water, a syrup is obtained,
greatly superior to that prepared in- the common way, with a
decoction of the balsam.
In its medical virtues it agrees with the other balsams.
T.— Tormentilla..— Trigonella. 699
Officinal Preparations.
Syrupus toluiferse balsami, L. vide Syrupu
Tinctura toluiferae balsami, E. L. D. - Tinctures,
benzoes composita, E. L. - - Idem*
TORMENTILLA ERECTA. Radix. Ed.
Tormentilla. L. D.
Septfoil. The root.
Willd.g. 1001. sp. 1. Icosandria Polygyria. — Nat. ord. Sentieosce.
Tormentil is perennial, and found wild in woods and on
commons: it has long slender stalks, with usually seven long nar-
row leaves at a joint; the root is for the most part crooked and
knotty, of a blackish colour on the outside, and a reddish within.
This root has an austere stvptic taste, accompanied with a slight
kind of aromatic flavour; it is one of the most agreeable and effi-
cacious of the vegetable astringents, and is employed with good
effect in all cases where medicines of this class are proper. Neu-
mann got from 960 grains, 365 alcoholic, and 170 watery extract,
and inversely 570 watery, and 8 alcoholic.
Officinal Preparation.
Pulvis cret. compositus, L. vide Pulveres.
TRAGACANTHA. - - Vide Astragalus.
TRIGONELLA FOENUM GRiECUiYL
Foenum Gr>£cum. Semen. L.
Fenugreek. The seeds.
Diadelphia Decandria. — Nat. ord. Papilionacece.
D. Bokshoomzaad. I. Fienogreco.
DA. Fonuggreak. P. Alforva*, Fenogrego.
F. Fenu-grec. S. Alforva Altholva.
G. Bockshomsamen, Fanum SW. Fenugrek.
graccum.
This plant is annual, and a native of the south of France. In
Poland it is cultivated in large quantities. The seeds have a vel-
700 Materia Medica.
lowish colour, a rhomboidal figure, a disagreeable strong smell,
and a mucilaginous taste. Their principal use was in cataplasms,
fomentations, and the like, and in emollient clysters. Neumann
got from 7680 parts, 620 bitter watery, and 30 unctuous alcoholic,
extract, and inversely 270 very ungrateful alcoholic, and 390
watery. The distilled water had a slight smell of fenugreek,
which it soon lost.
P.
Trigo.
POL
Pszenica.
R.
Pscheniza
S.
Trigo.
sw.
Hvede.
TRITICUM.
Willd. g. 1 52. Triandria Monogynia. — Nat. ord. Gramma,
TRITICUM iESTIVUM. Sp. 1. Seminum Farina. Amylum. D,
TRITICUM HYBERNUM. Sp. 2. Farina. Amylum. L.
Wheat. Flour. Starch.
D. Tarw.
DA. Huede.
F. Froment.
G. Weizen.
I. Grano,fr omenta.
By some these are considered only as varieties, not as distinct
species. The latter, however, is the most productive, and is
most commonly cultivated on that account; for there is no
material difference between the grains they produce, which are
indiscriminately employed for every purpose.
Wheat- flour consists principally of gluten, starch, albumen, and
a sweet mucilage. These may be separated by forming the flour
into a paste with a little water, and washing this paste with fresh
quantities of water, until it runs from it colourless. What re-
mains is the gluten: which, if not the same, is very analogous to
the fibrin of animal substances.* From the water with which the
* Fibrin is of a white colour, without taste or smell, tough, aud elastic, but
when dried, hard and almost brittle. It is not soluble in water or in alcohol. The
concentrated caustic alkalies form with it a kind of a fluid viscid soap. It is
dissolved even by the weak and diluted acids; but it undergoes some change,
by which it acquires the properties of jellying,.and being soluble in hot water.
By maceration in water it becomes putrid, and is converted into adipocere. By
long boiling in water, it is rendered tough and corneous When decomposed by
heat or nitric acid, it is found to contain a large proportion of nitrogen. It forms
the basis of the muscular fibre, and is contained in small quantity in the blood.
The gluten of wheat does not seem to differ from it in any important property
It is eminently nutritious.
T.— Triticum.— Triosteum. 701
paste was washed, a white powder separates on standing. This is
the starch which we have already mentioned under the tide Amy-
lum. The albumen and sweet mucilage remain dissolved in the
water. By evaporating it, the albumen first separates in white
flakes, and the sweet mucilage may be got by total evaporation.
It is the presence of gluten which characterizes wheat flour;
and on the due admixture of it with the other constituents depends
the superiority of wheat flour for baking bread.
Bread is made by working the flour into a paste with water, a
quantity of some ferment, such as yeast, and a little muriate of
soda to render it sapid, allowing the paste to stand until a certain
degree of fermentation take place, and then baking it in an oven
heated to about 488°. During the fermentation a quantity of gas
is formed, and as it is prevented from escaping by the tough-
ness of the paste, and dilated by the heat of the oven, the bread
is rendered light and spongy. In this process the nature of the
constituents of the flour is altered, for we are not able to obtain
either gluten or starch from bread.
Medical use. — Bread is not only one of the most important ar-
ticles of nourishment, but is also employed in pharmacy for
making cataplasms, and giving form to more active articles. An
infusion of toasted bread has a deep colour and pleasant taste,
and is an excellent drink in febrile diseases, and debility of the
stomach.
TRIOSTEUM PERFOLIATUM.
Bastard Ipecacuanha.
In very large doses it sometimes proves emetic. The bark of
the root is a good cathartic in doses of 20 or 30 grains. It some-
times operates as a diuretic.f
t Barton's Collections, Part I. p.' 28
702 Materia Medica.
TROCniSCL—TBOCHES.
Troches and lozenges are composed of powders made up with
glutinous substances into little cakes, and afterwards dried. This
form is principally made use of for the more commodious exhi-
bition of certain medicines, by fitting them to dissolve slowly in
the mouth, so as to pass by degrees into the stomach; and hence
these preparations have generally a considerable proportion of
sugar or other materials grateful to the palate. Some powders
have likewise been reduced into troches, with a view to their
preservation; though possibly for no very good reasons; for the
moistening, and afterwards drying them in the air, must in this
light be of greater injury than any advantage accruing from this
form can counterbalance.
TROCHISCI CARBONATIS CALCIS. Ed.
Troches of Carbonate of Lime.
TROCHISCI ( RET\£. L.
Troches of Chalk.
Take of
Carbonate of lime, prepared, four ounces;
Gum arabic, one ounce;
Nutmeg, one drachm;
Double refined sugar, six ounces.
Powder them together, and form them with water into a mass
for making troches. (E.)
This is used against acidity- of the stomach, especially when
accompanied with diarrhoea.
TROCHISCI GLYCYRRHIZjE. Ed. L. D.
Troches of Liquorice.
Take
Extract of liquorice,
Double refined sugar, of each six ounces;
Tragacanth, powdered, two ounces.
Powder them thoroughly, and make them into troches with rose
water. (D.)
This is an agreeable pectoral, and may be used at pleasure in
tickling coughs. Refined extract of liquorice should be used;
and it is easily powdered in the cold, after it has been laid for
some days in a dry and rather warm place. The solution and
subsequent evaporation directed by the Edinburgh college is
exceedingly troublesome, and apt to give them an empyreumatic
flavour.
T.— Trochisd. 703
TROCHISCI GLYCYRRHIZiE cum OHO. Ed.
Liquorice Troches with Opium.
TROCHISCI GlYCYRRHIZjE COMPOSITI. D.
Compound Troches of Liquorice.
Take of
Opium, two drachms;
Tincture of Tolu, half an ounce;
Common s\ rup, eignt ounces;
Extract of liquorice, softened in warm water,
Gum arabic, in powder, of each five ounces.
Triturate the opium well with the tincture, then add by degrees
the syrup and extract; afterwards gradually sprinkle upon the
mixture the powdered gum arabic. Lastly, dry them so as to
form a mass to be made into troches, each weighing ten grains.
(E.)
These troches are medicines of approved efficacy in tickling
coughs depending on an irritation of the fauces. Besides the
mechanical effect of the inviscating matters in involving acrid
humours, or lining and defending the tender membranes, the
opium must no doubt have a considerable share, by more imme-
diately diminishing the irritability of the parts themselves. Six
of the Dublin troches, and seven and a half of the Edinburgh,
contain about one grain of opium.
TROCHISCI GUMMOSI. Ed.
Gum Troches.
Trochisci Amyli. L.
Troches of Starch.
Take of
Gum arabic, four parts;
Starch, one part;
Double refined sugar, twelve parts.
Powder them, and make them into a proper mass with rose water,
so as to form troches. (E.)
This composition is a very agreeable pectoral, and may be
used at pleasure. It is calculated for allaying the tickling in the
fhroat which provokes coughing.
704 Materia Medica.
TROCHISCI MAGNESLE.L.
Troches of Magnesia.
Take of
Burnt magnesia, four ounces;
Double refined sugar, two ounces;
Ginger, powdered, one scruple.
Triturate them together, and, with the addition of the mucilage
of gum arabic, make troches. (L.)
These are excellent antacids, and at the same time tend ta
keep the bowels open.
TROCHISCI SULPHURIS. L.
Troches of Sulphur,
Take of
Washed flowers of sulphur, two ounces;
Double refined sugar, four ounces.
Rub them together, with a sufficient quantity of the mucilage of
quince seeds, and make troches. (L.)
This composition is to be considered only as an agreeable form
for the exhibition of sulphur, no alteration or addition being here
made to its virtues.
TROCHISCI NITRATIS.POTASSiE. Ed.
Troches of Nitrate of Potass*
Trochisci Nitri. L.
Troches of Nitre.
Take of
Nitrate of potass, one part;
Double refined sugar, three parts.
Rub together to powder and form them with mucilage of gum
tragacanth into a mass, to be divided into troches. (E.)
This is a very agreeable form for the exhibition of nitre;
though when the salt is thus taken without any liquid, (if the
quantity be considerable,) it is apt to occasion uneasiness about
the stomach, which can only be prevented by large dilution
with aqueous liquors.
U.— Ulmus. 705
TUSSILAGO FARFARA. Folia. Flores, Bd,
Tussilago. L. D.
Coltsfoot, The herb and flowers,
Syngenesia superfiua. — Nat. ord. Composites radiates.
This grows wild in moist situations, producing yellow flowers
in February and March: these soon fall off, and are succeeded by
large roundish leaves, hairy underneath: their taste is herbaceous,
somewhat glutinous and subacrid. Tussilago is recommended in
coughs, phthisis, and other disorders of the breast and lungs, and
some use it in scrofula. It is chiefly directed to be taken with
milk; and upon this probably, more than on the tussilago itself,
any benefit derived from it in practice is to be explained.
U.
ULMUS CAMPESTRIS. Ed.
Ulmus. Cortex interior. L. D.
Elm tree. The inner bark,
Willd. g. 505. sp, 1. Pentandria Digynia — Nat. ord. Scabridce.
This tree grows wild in Britain. The inner bark has a yel-
lowish colour, and a mucilaginous, bitter, astringent taste, with-
out smell.
A decoction formed from it, by boiling an ounce with a pound
of water, to the consumption of one half, has been highly re-
commended in the lepra ichthyosis, and has been said to cure
dropsies.
ULMUS AMERICANA.
Rough-leaved Elm tree. Red Elm,
The inner bark is esculent. It is useful in pleurisies, &c. and
forms an excellent poultice for tumours, and liniment for chaps,
4U
706 Materia Medica.
&c. It aids the suppuration of gun-shot wounds, and is thought
superior to the bread and milk and flaxseed poultice. It is highly
beneficial in old ulcers and fresh burns, and forms an excellent
diet drink in diarrhoea and dysentery.*
UNGUENTA.— OINTMENTS.
Under this general head may be comprised
Linimenta, - Liniments.
Cerata, - Cerates.
Emplastra, - Plasters.
Unguenta, - Ointments, properly so called.
These are all combinations of fixed oil, or animal fat, with
other substances, and differ from each other only in consistence.
Deyeux has? indeed, lately defined plasters to be combinations of
oil with metallic oxides; but as this would comprehend many of
our present ointments, and exclude many of our plasters, we shall
adhere to the old meaning of the terms.
Liniments are the thinnest of these compositions, being only a
little thicker than oil.
Ointments have generally a degree of consistence like that of
butter.
Cerates are firmer, and contain a larger proportion of wax.
Plasters are the most solid, and when cold should be firm, and
should not adhere to the fingers; but when gently heated should
become sufficiently soft to spread easily, and should then adhere
to the skin. Plasters derive their firmness, either from a large
proportion of wax, rosin, &c. or from the presence of some me-
tallic oxide, such as that of lead.
Plasters should have such a consistence, that when cold they
do not adhere to the fingers, but become soft and plastic when
gently heated. The heat of the body should render it tenacious
enough to adhere to the skin, and to the substance on which it is
spread. When prepared, it is usually formed into rolls, and in-
closed in paper. Plasters of a small size are often spread on leather,
sometimes on strong paper by means of a spatula gently heated,
or the thumb. The leather is cut of the shape wanted, but some-
what larger; and the margin all round, about I inch in breadth is
left uncovered, for its more easy removal when necessary. Linen
is also often used, especially for the less active plasters, which are
* Philadelphia Medical Museum, Vol. II. .
U. — Unguenta.
707
used as dressings, and often renewed. It is generally cut into long
slips of various breadths, from one to six inches. These may
either be dipt into the melted plaster, and passed through two
pieces of straight and smooth wood, held firmly together, so as
to remove any excess of plaster; or, what is more elegant, they
are spread on one side only, by stretching the linen, and applying
the plaster, which has been melted and allowed to become almost
cold, evenly by means of a spatula, gently heated, or, more accu-
rately, by passing the linen on which the plaster has been laid,
through a machine formed of a spatula fixed, by screws, at a
proper distance from a plate of polished steel.
To prevent repetition, the Edinburgh college gives the follow-
ing canon for the preparation of these substances.
In making these compositions, the fatty and resinous substances
are to be melted with a gentle heat, and then constantly stirred,
adding, at the same time, the dry ingredients, if there be any,
until the mixture, on cooling, becomes stiff. Ed.
ADIPIS BOVIS, SUILLjE, SEVIojje OVILLI, PRjEPA-
RATIO. L.
The Preparation of Hog's Lard, and Beef and Mutton Suet.
Cut them into pieces, and melt them over a slow fire; then
separate them from the membranes by straining. (L.)
Before proceeding to melt these fats, it is better to separate as
much of the membranes as possible, and to Wash them in repeated
quantities of water until they no longer give out any colour.
Over the fire they become perfectly transparent, and if they do
not crackle on throwing a few drops into the fire, it is a sign
that all the water is evaporated, and that the fats are ready for
straining, which should be done through a linen cloth without
expression. The residuum may be repeatedly melted with a little
water, until it become discoloured with the fire. The fluid fat
should be poured into the vessels, or bladders, in which it is to
be preserved.
These articles had formerly a place also among the prepara-
tions of the Edinburgh college. But now they introduce them
only into their list of the materia medica; as the apothecary will
in general find it more for his interest to purchase them thus
prepared, than to prepare them for himself; for the process re-
quires to be very cautiously conducted, to prevent the fat from
burning or turning black.
708 Materia Medica.
LINIMENTUM SIMPLEX. Ed.
Simple Liniment,
Take of
Olive oil, four parts;
White wax, one part. (E.)
This consists of the same articles which form the Unguentum
simplex of the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia, but merely in a diffe-
rent proportion, so as to render the composition thinner; and
where a thin consistence is requisite, this may be considered as
a very elegant and useful application.
CERATA.— CERATES.
CERATUM CANTHARIDIS. L. D.
Cerate of Cantharides.
Take of
Cerate of spermaceti, softened with heat, six drachms;
Spanish flies, finely powdered, one drachm.
Mix them. (L.)
Under this form cantharides may be made to act to any extent
that is requisite. It may supply the place either of the blistering-
plaster or ointment; and there are cases in which it is preferable
to either. It is particularly more convenient than the emplastrum
cantharidum, where the skin to which the blister is to be applied
is previously much affected, as in cases of small pox; and in sup-
porting a drain under the form of issue, it is less apt to spread than
the softer ointment.
CERATUM CARBONATIS ZINCI IMPURI. Ed.
Cerate of Impure Carbonate of Zinc.
Ceratum Lapidis Calaminaris; olim, Ceratum Epulo-
ticum. L. D.
Calamine Cerate, formerly Epulotic Cerate.
Take of
Calamine, prepared,
Yellow wax, of each half a pound;
Olive oil, one pint.
U. — Unguenta. 709
Melt the wax with the oil; and as soon as the mixture, exposed
to the air, begins to thicken, mix with it the calamine, and stir
the cerate until it be cold. (L.)
This composition resembles the cerate which Turner strongly
recommends in cutaneous ulcerations and excoriations, and
which has been usually distinguished by his name. It appears
from experience to be an excellent epulotic> and as such is fre-
quently made use of in practice.
CERATUM LITHARGYRI ACETATI COMPO-
SITUM. L.
Ceratum Lithargyri Acetati. D.
Compound Cerate of Acetated Litharge.
Take of
Water of acetated litharge, two ounces and a half;
. Yellow wax, four ounces;
Olive oil, nine ounces;
Camphor, half a drachm.
Rub the camphor with a little of the oil. Melt the wax with the
remaining oil, and as soon as the mixture begins to thicken,
pour in by degrees the water of acetated litharge, and stir con-
stantly until it be cold; then mix in the camphor previously
rubbed with oil. (L. D.)
This application has been rendered famous by the recommen-
dations of Mr. Goulard. It is unquestionably in many cases very
useful. It cannot, however, be considered as varying essentially
from the saturnine ointments to be mentioned. It is employed
with nearly the same intentions, and differs from them chiefly in
consistence.
CERATUM RESINS FLAVj£. L. D.
Cerate of Yellow Resin.
Take of
Ointment of yellow resin, half a pound;
Yellow wax, one ounce.
Melt them together, and make a cerate. (L. D.)
This had formerly the name of Unguentum citrinum. It is no
otherwise different from the Yellow basilicum, or Unguentum
resinae flavae, than being of a stiffer consistence, which renders it
for some purposes more commodious.
710 Materia Medica.
CERATUM SAPONIS. L. D.
Soap Cerate,
Take of
Hard Spanish soap, eightounces;
Yellow wax, ten ounces;
Litharge, powdered, one pound;
Olive oil, fourteen ounces;
Vinegar, eight pounds.
Boil the vinegar with the litharge, over a slow fire, constantly
stirring, until the mixture unites and thickens; then mix in
the other articles, and make a cerate. (D.)
Notwithstanding the name, this cerate may rather be con-
sidered as a saturnine application; its action depending very lit-
tle on the soap.
CERATUM SIMPLEX. Ed.
Simple Cerate.
Ceratum Spermatis Ceti. L. IX,
Cerate of Spermaceti.
Take of
Olive oil, six parts;
White wax, three parts;
Spermaceti, one part. (E.)
This differs from the simple ointment, in containing a greater
proportion of wax to the oil, and in the addition of the sperma-
ceti. But by these means it obtains only a more firm consistence,
without any essential change of properties.
It scarcely differs from the Ceratum Spermatis Ceti of the
London and Dublin colleges, the latter containing one-thirteenth
part of spermaceti, and the former one-tenth part; we have there-
fore introduced one formula only.
The ceratum spermatis ceti had formerly the name of Ceratum
album, and it differs in nothing from the Unguentum spermatis
ceti, or Linimentum album, as it was formerly called, excepting
in consistence, both the wax and the spermaceti bearing a greater
proportion to the oil.
U. — Unguenta. 711
EMPLASTRA.— PLASTERS.
EMPLASTRUM AMMONIACI cum HYDRAR-
GYRO. L.
Plaster of Gum Ammoniac with ^iiicksilver.
Take of
Gum ammoniac, strained, one pound;
Purified quicksilver, three ounces;
Sulphuretted oil, a drachm, or as much as may be necessary.
Triturate the quicksilver with the sulphuretted oil, until its glo-
bules disappear; then gradually add the gum ammoniac melted,
and mix them. (L.)
This mercurial plaster is considered as a powerful resolvent
and discutient, acting with much greater certainty for these inten-
tions than any composition of vegetable substances alone; the
mercury exerting itself in a considerable degree, and being some-
times introduced into the habit in such quantity as to affect the
mouth. Pains in the joints and limbs from a venereal cause,
nodes, tophi, and beginning indurations, are said to yield to them
sometimes.
EMPLASTRUM AROMATICUM. Dub.
Aromatic Plaster.
Take of
Frankincense, three ounces;
Yellow wax, half an ounce.
Cinnamon, in powder, six drachms;
Essential oil of pimento,
lemon, each two drachms.
Melt the frankincense and wax together, and strain; when getr
ting stiff, from being allowed to cool, mix in the cinnamon
and oils, and make a plaster.
EMPLASTRUM ASS^E FOETIDtE;
Vulgo, Emplastrum Anti-hystericum. Ed.
Plaster of Assa Ftetida, commonly called Anti-hysteric Plaster
Take of
Plaster of semi-vitrified oxide of lead.
Assa-fcetida, each two parts;
712 Materia Medica.
Galbanum,
Yellow wax, each one part. (E.)
This plaster is applied to the umbilical region, or over the
whole abdomen, in hysteric cases; and sometimes with good
effect; but probably more from its effect as giving an additional
degree of heat to the part, than from any influence derived from
the fetid gums.
EMPLASTRUM CALEFACIENS. Dub.
Calefacient Plaster.
Take of
Plaster of cantharides, one part;
Burgundy pitch, seven parts.
Melt together, at a moderate heat, and make into a plaster.
This is a very convenient plaster, being more active as a sti-
mulant and rubefacient than the simple Burgundy pitch plaster,
while it will scarcely ever raise a blister.
EMPLASTRUM CERjE. D.
Emplastrum Cer,e Compositum. L.
Compound Wax Plaster.
Take of
Yellow wax,
Prepared mutton suet, of each three pounds;
Yellow resin, one pound.
Melt them together, and strain the mixture while it is fluid. (L.D.)
EMPLASTRUM CUMINI. L.
Cummin Plaster.
Take of
Cummin seeds,
Caraway seeds,
Bay-berries, of each three ounces;
Burgundy pitch, three pounds;
Yellow wax, three ounces.
Melt the pitch and wax together, and mix with them the rest of
the ingredients, powdered, and make a plaster. (L.)
This plaster has been recommended as a moderately warm
U. — Unguenta. 713
discutient; and is directed by some to be applied to the hypo-
gastric region, for strengthening the viscera, and expelling flatu-
lencies: but it is a matter of great doubt, whether it derives any
virtue, either from the article from which it is named, or from the
caraway seeds or bay-berries which enter its composition.
EMPLASTRUM GUMMOSUM. Ed.
Gum Plaster.
Take of
Plaster of semi-vitrified oxide of lead, eight parts;
Gum ammoniacum,
Galbanum,
Yellow wax, each one part.
Melt together. (E.)
This plaster is used as a digestive and suppurative; particu-
larly in abscesses, after a part of the matter has been maturated
and discharged, for suppurating or discussing the remaining hard
part; but it is very doubtful whether it derives any advantage from
the gums entering its composition.
EMPLASTRUM HYDRARGYRI. Ed,
Plaster of Quicksilver.
Take of
Olive oil,
White resin, each one part;
Quicksilver, three parts;
Plaster of semi-vitrified oxide of lead, six parts.
Melt the oil and resin together, and when this mixture is cold,
let the quicksilver be rubbed with it till the globules disappear;
then add by degrees the litharge plaster, melted, and let the
whole be accurately mixed. (E.)
See the observations on Emplastrum Ammoniaci cum Hydrar-
gyro.
EMPLASTRUM LADANI COMPOSITUM. L.
Compound Ladanwn Plaster.
Take of
Ladanum, three ounces;
Frankincense, one ounce:
4X
714 Materia Medica.
Cinnamon, powdered,
Expressed oil of mace, of each half an ounce;
Essential oil of mint, one drachm.
To the melted frankincense, add first the ladanum, softened by
heat; then the oil of mace. Mix these afterwards with the cin-
namon and oil of mint, and beat them together, in a warm
mortar, into a plaster. Let it be kept in a close vessel. (L.)
This has been considered as a very elegant stomach plaster. It
is contrived so as to be easily made occasionally, (lor these kinds
of compositions, on account of their volatile ingredients, are not
fit for keeping), and to be but moderately adhesive, so as not to
offend the skin, and that it may, without difficulty, be frequently
renewed; which these sorts of applications, in order to their pro-
ducing any considerable effect, require to be.
EMPLASTRUM LITHARGYRI COMPOSITUM. L.
Compound Plaster of Litharge.
Take of
Litharge plaster, three pounds;
Strained galbanum, eight ounces;
Turpentine, ten drachms;
Frankincense, three ounces.
The galbanum and turpentine being melted, mix with them the
powdered frankincense, and afterwards the litharge plaster.
melted also with a very slow fire, and make a plaster. (L.)
See the observations on Emplastrum Gummosum.
t EMPLASTRUM LITHARGYRI cu^ HYDRAR
GYRO. L.
Litharge Plaster with Quicksilver.
Take of
Litharge plaster, one pound;
Purified quicksilver, three ounces;
Sulphuretted oil, one drachm, or what is sufficient.
Make the plaster in the same manner as the ammoniacum plaster
with quicksilver. (L.) — The observations on which, see.
U. — Unguenta. 715
EMPLASTRUM MELOES VESICATORII;
olim, Emplastrum Vesicatorium. Ed.
Plaster of Spanish Flies, formerly Blistering Plaster.
Emplastrum Cantharidis. L. D.
Plaster of Spanish Flies.
Take of
Mutton suet,
Yellow wax,
White rosin,
Cantharides, each equal weights.
Mix the cantharides, reduced to a fine powder, with the other
ingredients, previously melted, and removed from the fire. (E.)
This formula is very well suited to answer the intention in
view, that of exciting blisters; for it is of a proper consistence
and sufficient degree of tenacity, which are here the only requi-
sites. Cantharides of good quality, duly applied to the skin, sel-
dom fail of producing blisters. When, therefore, the desired
effect does not take place, it is to be ascribed to the flies either
being faulty at first, or having their activity afterwards destroyed
by some accidental circumstance; such as too great heat in form-
ing, or in spreading, the plaster, or the like. It is therefore not
unusual to sprinkle powder of cantharides on the blister alter it
is spread.
EMPLASTRUM MELOES VESICATORII COMPO-
SITUM. Ed.
Compound Plaster of Spanish Flies.
Take of
Burgundy pitch,
Venice turpentine,
Cantharides, each twelve parts;
Yellow wax, four parts;
Sub-acetite of copper, two parts;
Mustard seed,
Black pepper, each one part.
Having first melted the pitch and wax, add the turpentine, and to
these, in fusion, and still hot, add the other ingredients, redu-
ced to a fine powder, and mixed, and stir the whole carefully
together, so as to form a plaster. (E.)
This is supposed to be the most infallible blistering plaster. It
certainly contains a sufficient variety of stimulating ingredients.
71t> Materia Medica.
EMPLASTRUM OXIDI FERRI RUBRI;
Olim, Emplastrum Roborans. Ed.
Plaster of Red Oxide of Iron, commonly called Strengthening-
Plaster.
Take of
Plaster of semi-vitrified oxide of lead, twenty-four parts;
White resin, six parts;
Yellow wax,
Olive oil, each three parts;
Red oxide of iron, eight parts.
Grind the red oxide of iron with the oil, and then add it to the
other ingredients previously melted. (E.)
This plaster is used in weaknesses of the large muscles, as of
the loins: and its effects seem to proceed from the artificial me-
chanical support given to the part, which may also be done by
any other plaster that adheres with equal firmness.
EMPLASTRUM OXIDI PLUMBI SEMIVITREI;
Olim, Emplastrum Commune. Ed,
Plaster of the Semi-vitrifed Oxide of Lead, formerly Common
Plaster.
Emplastrum Lithargyri. L. D.
Litharge Plaster.
Take of
Semi-vitrified oxide of lead, one part;
Olive oil, two parts.
Boil them, adding water, and constantly stirring the mixture till
the oil and litharge be formed into a plaster. (E.)
Oxides of lead, boiled with oils, unite with them into a plaster
of an excellent consistence, and which makes a proper basis for
several other plasters.
In the boiling of these compositions, a quantity of water must
be added, to prevent the plaster from burning and growing black.
Such water as it may be necessary tofcadd during the boiling,
must be previously made hot; for cold liquor would not only pro-
long the process, but likewise occasion the matter to explode, and
be thrown about with violence, to the great danger of the opera-
tor: this accident will equally happen upon the addition of hot
water, if the plaster be extremely hot. It is therefore better to
remove it from the fire a little before each addition of wilier.
U. — Unguenta. 717
These plasters, which have been long known under the name
of Diachylon, are common applications in excoriations of the skin,
slight flesh wounds, and the like. They keep the part soft and
somewhat warm, and defend it from the air, which is all that
can be expected in these cases from any plaster.
EMPLASTRUM PICIS BURGUNDICiE. D.
Emplastrum Picis Compositum. L.
Compound Burgundy Pitch Plaster.
fake of
Burgundy pitch, two pounds;
Galbanum, one pound;
Yellow resin,
Yellow wax, of each four ounces;
Expressed oil of mace, one ounce.
To the pitch, resin, and wax, melted together, add first the gal
banum, and then the oil of mace. (D.)
EMPLASTRUM RESINOSUM;
Vulgo, Emplastrum Adh/£sivum. Ed.
Resinous Plaster^ commonly called Adhesive Plaster.
Emplastrum Lithargyri cum Resina. L.
Litharge Plaster with Resin.
Take of
Plaster of semi-vitrified oxide of lead, five parts;
White resin, one part.
Melt them together, and make a plaster. (E.)
This plaster is chiefly used as an adhesive for keeping on
other dressings, for retaining the edges of recent wounds together,
when we are endeavouring to cure them by the first intention,
and for giving mechanical support to new flesh, and contracting
the size of ulcers, in the manner recommended by Mr. Baynton,
for the cure of ulcers of the legs.
718 Materia Medica.
EMPLASTRUM SAPONACEUM. Ed. D.
Saponaceous Plaster.
Emplastrum Saponis. L.
Soap Plaster.
Take of
Soap, one part;
Litharge plaster, six parts.
Mix the soap with the melted litharge plaster, and boil them to
the thickness of a plaster. (L. D.)
This plaster has been supposed to derive a resolvent power
from the soap; but it is a matter of great doubt, whether it de-
rives any material advantage from the addition.
EMPLASTRUM SIMPLEX, sive EMPLASTRUM
CEREUM. Ed.
Simple or Wax Plaster.
Take of
Yellow wax, three parts;
Mutton suet,
White resin, each two parts. (E.)
This plaster had formerly the title of Emplastrum attr aliens ^
and was chiefly employed as a dressing after blisters, to support
some discharge, and it is a very well contrived plaster for that
purpose. Sometimes, however, it irritates too much on account
of the resin; and hence, when designed only for dressing blisters,
the resin ought to be entirely omitted, unless where a continuance
of the pain and irritation, excited by the vesicatory, is required.
Indeed, plasters of any kind are not very proper for dressing
blisters; their consistence makes them sit uneasy, and their adhe-
siveness renders the taking them off painful. Cerates, which are
softer and less adhesive appear much more eligible: the Ceratum
spermatis ceti will serve for general use; and for some particular
purposes, the Ceratum resinse flavse may be applied.
U. — Unguenta. 719
EMPLASTRUM THURIS COMPOSITUM. L.
Compound Frankincense Plaster.
Take of
Frankincense, half a pound;
Dragons blood, three ounces;
Litharge plaster, two pounds.
To the melted litharge plaster, add the rest, powdered. (L.)
It has been supposed that plasters composed of styptic medi-
cines constringe and strengthen the part to which they are ap-
plied, but on no very just foundation; for plasters in general re-
lax rather than astringe; the unctuous ingredients necessary in
their composition counteracting and destroying the effect of the
others.
If constantly worn with a proper bandage, it will, in children,
frequently do service, though, perhaps, not so much from any
strengthening quality of the ingredients, as from its being a soft,
close, and adhesive, covering.
UNGUENTA.— OINTMENTS.
UNGUENTUM ACETITIS PLUMBI;
olim, Unguentum Saturninum. Ed.
Ointment of Acetite of 'Lead, formerly Saturnine Ointment,
i
lT\GUENTUM CeRUSSjE ACETATE. L. D.
Ointment of Acetated Ceruse.
Take of
Acetated ceruse, two drachms;
White wax, two ounces;
Olive oil, half a pint.
Rub the acetated ceruse, previously powdered, with some part of
the olive oil; then add it to the wax, melted with the remain-
ing oil. Stir the mixture until it be cold. (L.)
This is an excellent cooling ointment, of the greatest use in
many cases.
720 Materia Medica.
UNGUENTUM ACIDI NITROSL Ed.
Ointment of Nitrous Acid.
Take of
Hog's lard, one pound;
Nitrous acid, six drachms.
Mix the acid gradually with the melted axunge, and diligently
beat the mixture as it cools. (E.)
The axunge in this ointment seems to be oxidized; for during
the action of the acid upon it, there is a great deal of nitric oxide
gas disengaged. It acquires a yellowish colour, and a firm con-
sistency; and forms an excellent and cheap substitute, in slight
herpetic and other cutaneous affections, for the ointment of nitrate
of mercury.
UNGUENTUM ADIPIS SUILLjE. L.
Ointment of Hog's Lard.
Take of
Prepared hog's lard, two pounds;
Rose water, three ounces.
Beat the lard with the rose water until they be mixed; thea
melt the mixture with a slow fire, and set it apart that the
water may subside; after which, pour off the lard from the
water, constantly stirring it until it be cold. (L.)
In the last edition of the London Pharmacopoeias, this was
styled Unguentum Simplex; the name given by the Edinburgh
college to the following preparation.
UNGUENTUM SIMPLEX. Ed.
Simple Ointment.
Take of
Olive oil, five parts;
White wax, two parts. (E.)
Both these ointments may be used for softening the skin and
healing chaps. The last is, however, preferable, as being more
steadily of one uniform consistence. For the same reason it is
also to be preferred as the basis of other more compounded
ointments. c
U. — Unguenta. 721
UNGUENTUM CERiE. L. D.
Wax Ointment.
Take of
White wax, four ounces;
Spermaceti, three ounces;
Olive oil, one pint.
Stir them, after being melted with a slow fire, constantly and
briskly, until cold. (L.)
This ointment had formerly the title of Unguentwn album in
the London Pharmacopoeia. It differs very little from the Un-
guentum simplex of the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia and in nothing
from the Unguentum spermatis ceti of the other pharmacopoeias,
excepting that in this ointment the proportion of wax is four
times greater. It is an useful cooling ointment for excoriations
and other frettings of the skin.
UNGUENTUM SPERMATIS CETI. L. D,
Ointment of Spermaceti.
Take of
Spermaceti, six drachms;
White wax, two drachms;
Olive oil, three ounces.
Melt them together over a slow fire, stirring them constantly and
briskly until they be cold. (L. D.)
This had formerly the name of Limmentum album, and it is
perhaps only in consistence that it can be considered as differing
from the unguentum simplex, or the ceratum simplex, already
mentioned.
UNGUENTUM CANTHARIDIS. L.
Unguentum Cantharidum. D.
Ointment of Spanish Flies.
Take of
Spanish flics, powdered, two ounces;
Distilled water, eight ounces;
Ointment of yellow resin, eight ounces.
Boil the water with the Spanish flies to one half, and strain. To
the strained liquor add the ointment of yellow resin. Evaporate
this mixture to the thickness of an ointment in a water-bath,
saturated with sea-salt. (L.)
4Y
722 Materia Medica*
unguentum'infusi meloes vesicatoru.
vulgo, Unguentum Epispasticum Mitius. Ed.
Ointment of Infusion of Cantharides, commonly called Mild Epis-
pastic Ointment.
Take of
Cantharides,
White resin,
Yellow wax, each one part;
Hog's lard,
Venice turpentine, each two parts;
Boiling water, four parts.
Infuse the cantharides in the water for a night; then strongly
press out and strain the liquor, and boil it with the lard till the
water be consumed; then add the resin and wax; and when
these are melted, take the ointment off the fire and add the
turpentine. (E.)
These ointments, containing the soluble parts of the cantha-
rides, uniformly blended with the other ingredients, are more
commodious, and in general occasion less pain, though little less
effectual in their action, than the compositions with the fly in
substance. This, however, does not uniformly hold, and ac-
cordingly the Edinburgh college, with propriety, introduce the
following.
UNGUENTUM PULVERIS MELOES VESICATORU;
olim, Unguentum Epispasticum Fortius. Ed.
Ointment of the Poxvder of Sftanj^M i\< -.: formerly Stronger
Epispastic C
Take of
Resinous ointment, seven parts;^
Powdered cantharides, one part. (E.)
This ointment is employed in the dressings for blisters, in-
tended to be made perpetual, as they are called, or to be kept
running for a considerable time, which in many chronic, and
some acute cases, is of great service. Particular care should be
taken, that the cantharides employed in these compositions be
reduced into very subtile powder, and that the mixtures be made
as equal and uniform as possible. But with these precautions,
there are some particular habits in which this ointment operates
with even less pain than the former, while at the same time it is
generally more effectual. /
U.— Unguenta. 723
UNGUENTUM ELEMI. D.
Unguentum Elemi Compositum. L.
Compound Ointment of Elemi,
Take of
Elemi, one pound;
Turpentine, ten ounces;
Mutton suet, prepared, two pounds;
Olive oil, two ounces.
Melt the elemi with the suet; and having removed it from the
fire, mix it immediately with the turpentine and oil; after
which strain the mixture. (L. D.)
This ointment, formerly known by the name of Linimentum
Arccei, has long been used for digesting, cleansing, and incarnat-
ing; and for these purposes is preferred by some surgeons to all
the other compositions of this kind, probably because it is more
expensive.
UNGUENTUM HELLEBORI ALBI. L. D.
Ointment of White Hellebore.
Take of
White Hellebore, one ounce;
Hog's lard, four ounces;
Essence of lemon, half a scruple.
Mix, and make them into an ointment. (D.)
White hellebore externally applied has long been celebrated
in the cure of cutaneous diseases.
UN TUM HYDRARGYRI;
Vulgo, Unguentum Coeruleum. Ed.
Ointment of Quicksilver^ commonly called Blue Ointment.
Unguentum Hydrargyri Fortius. L. D.
Stronger Mercurial Ointment.
Take of
Quicksilver,
Mutton suet, each one part;
Hog's lard, three parts. (E.)
First triturate the quicksilver with the suet and a little of the
hog's lard,Vintil the globules be extinguished; then add the
rest of the lard, and form it into an ointment. (L. D.)
724 Materia Medica.
UNGUENTUM HYDRARGYRI MITIUS. L. D.
Milder Mercurial Ointment,
Take of
The stronger ointment of quicksilver, one part;
Hog's lard, prepared, two parts.
Mix them. (L. D.)
UNGUENTUM OXIDI HYDRARGYRI CINEREI. Ed.
Ointment of Grey Oxide of Quicksilver.
Take of
Grey oxide of quicksilver, one part;
Hog's lard, three parts. (E.)
These ointments are principally employed, not with a view to
their topical action, but with the intention of introducing mercury
in an active state into the circulating system; which may be ef-
fected by gentle friction on the sound skin of any part, particularly
on the inside of the thighs or legs. For this purpose, these simple
ointments are much better suited than the more compounded ones
with turpentine and the like, formerlyemployed. For, by any acrid
substance, topical inflammation is apt to be excited, prevent-
ing further friction, and giving much uneasiness. To avoid this,
it is necessary, even with the mildest and weakest ointment, to
change occasionally the place at which the friction is performed.
It is requisite that the ointments, in which the mercury is ex-
tinguished by trituration, should be prepared with very great care:
for upon the degree of triture which has been employed, the ac-
tivity of the mercury very much depends. rfhe addition of the
mutton suet, now adopted by both cojl* Han advantage to the
ointment, as it prevents it from runnH fee state of oil, which
the hog's lard alone, in warm weather, < n a warm chamber, is
sometimes apt to do, and which is followed by a separation of
parts. We are even inclined to think, thatthe proportion of suet
directed by the London college is too small for this purpose, and
indeed seems to be principally intended for the more effectual tri-
ture of the mercury: but it is much more to be regretted, that in
a medicine of such activity, the colleges should not have directed
the same proportion of mercury to the fatty matter.
If the efficacy of the ointment prepared with the grey oxide
were sufficiently established, the facility and certainty of ijts pre-
paration would be attended with great advantages.
U. — Unguenta. 725
UNGUENTUM CALCIS HYDRARGYRI ALBI. L.
Ointment of the White Calx of Qiiicksilver.
Take of
The white calx of quicksilver, one drachm;
Ointment of hog's lard, one ounce and a half;
Mix, and make an ointment. (L)
This is a very elegant mercurial ointment, and frequently made
use of in the cure of obstinate cutaneous affections.
UNGUENTUM OXIDI HYDRARGYRI RUBRI. Ed.
Ointment of Red Oxide of Quicksilver.
Take of
Red oxide of quicksilver by nitrous acid, one part;
H g's lard, eight parts. (E.)
This is an excellent stimulating ointment, often of very great
service in indolent ill-conditioned sores, when we wish to excite
them to greater action. If it prove too stimulating, it may be
diluted with axunge; and in this state it is often applied to the
eye-lids in chronic ophthalmia.
UNGUENTUM NITRATIS HYDRARGYRI;
vulgo, Unguentum Citrinum. Ed.
Ointment of Nitrate of Qiiicksilver, commonly called Telloxv
."lie POUl- Ointment.
, in powder,
UNGu;ntrnent# ■Largyri Nitrati. L. D.
^ating and Nitrated Quicksilver.
Take of
Quicksilver, one part;
Nitrous acid, two parts;
Hog's lard, twelve parts.
Dissolve the quicksilver in the nitrous . acid, by digestion in a
sand heat; and, while the solution is very hot, mix with it the
lard, previously melted by itself, and just beginning to grow
stiff. Stir them briskly together in a marble mortar, so as to
form the whole into an ointment. (E. L. D.)
726 Materia Medica.
UNGUENTUM NITRATIS HYDRARGYRI MITIUS.
Ed.
Milder Ointment of Nitrate of Quicksilver.
This is prepared in the same way with three times the quantity
of hog's lard. (E.)
This is an excellent application in herpes, tinea capitis, and
many other similar cutaneous affections, but it soon becomes
very hard, and even pulverulent, so that it must be melted with
some fresh axunge before it can be used. This is owing to the
excess of acid used for dissolving the quicksilver. To remedy
this inconvenience, Dr. Duncan prepared some with a nitrate of
mercury, containing as little excess of acid as possible; but, on
mixing it with the lard, the salt could not be prevented from
crystallizing, and it became as hard as that prepared in the usual
way. But the property which nitrate of mercury, prepared by
ebullition, has of being decomposed by water, furnished him with
an easy way of getting rid of all excess of acid, and of procuring
the sub-nitrate of mercury in the state of the most minute divi-
sion possible. An ointment prepared with this sub-nitrate had a
most beautiful golden colour; after six months was perfectly soft,
and succeeded perfectly in curing a very bad case of herpes.
UNGUENTUM OXIDI PLUMBI ALBI;
vulgo, Unguentum Album. Ed.
Ointment of White Oxide of Lead \ formerly White Ointment.
Take of s^j& ^V>
Simple ointment, five parts;
White oxide of lead, one part. (E!lH
71 ri or in a v
This is a cooling desiccative ointmejllowecj/eat use when ap
plied to excoriated surfaces. W
UNGUENTUM OXIDI ZINCI IMPURI; olim, Unguen-
tum Tuti£. Ed.
Ointment of Impure Oxide of Zinc, formerly Ointment ofTutty.
Unguentum TutijE. L. D.
Ointment of Tutty. (
Take of
Simple liniment, five parts;
Prepared impure oxide of zinc, one part. (E. )
U.— Ungucnta. 727
UNGUENTUM OXIDI ZINCI. Ed.
Ointment of Oxide of Zinc.
Take of
Simple liniment, six parts;
Oxide of zinc, one part. (E.)
These ointments are chiefly used in affections of the eye, par-
ticularly in those cases where redness arises rather from relaxa-
tion than from active inflammation.
UNGUENTUM PICIS. Ed. L. D.
Tar Ointment.
Take of
Tar,
Mutton suet, prepared, of each half a pound.
Melt them together, and strain. (L. D.)
This composition, from the empyreumatic oil and saline mat-
ters the tar contains, is undoubtedly of some activity. Accord-
ingly, it has been successfully employed against some cutaneous
affections, particularly tinea capitis.
UNGUENTUM PIPERIS NIGRI. Dub.
Ointment of Black Pepper.
Take of .^flMfek
Prepared lard, one pound;
Black pepper, in powder, four ounces.
Make into an ointment.
This is stimulating and irritating.
UNGUENTUM RESINOSUM. Ed.
Resinous Ointment.
Unguentum REsiNiE Flav,£. L. D.
Ointment of Yellow Resin.
Take of
Hog's-lard, eight parts;
White resin, five parts;
Yellow wax, two parts. (E.)
728 Materia Me die a.
This is commonly employed in dressings, for digesting,
cleansing, and incarnating, wounds and ulcers. The addition of
spirits of turpentine to this ointment so as to give it the consis-
tence of a liniment, forms the application employed by Mr. Ken-
tish, to burns, &c.
UNGUENTUM SABINjE. Dub.
Savine Ointment*
Take of.
Fresh savine leaves, separated from the stalks, and bruised,
half a pound;
Prepared hog's lard, two pounds;
Yellow wax, half a pound.
Boil the leaves in the lard until they become crisp; then filter
with expression; lastly, add the wax, and melt them together.
This is an excellent issue ointment, being, in many respects,
preferable to those of cantharides.
UNGUENTUM SAMBUCI. L.
Unguentum Sambucinum. D.
Elder Ointment.
Take of
Elder flowers, four pounds;
Mutton suet, prepared, three pounds;
Olive oil, one pint.
Boil the flowers in the suet and oil, till they be almost crisp; then
strain with expression. (L. D.)
Compositions of this kind were formerly very frequent; but
vegetables, by boiling in oils, impart to them nothing but a little
mucilage, which changes the greasy oils to drying oils, and any
resin they may contain; but that also is never in such quantity
as to affect the nature of the oil. We, therefore, do not suppose
that this ointment possesses any properties different from a sim-
ple ointment of the same consistency.
UNGUENTUM SUB-ACETITIS CUPRI. Ed.
Ointment of Sub-Acetite of Copper.
x alee oi .
Resinous ointment, fifteen parts;
Sub-acetite of copper, one part. (E.)
U. — Unguenta. 729
This ointment is used for cleansing sores, and keeping down
fungous flesh. Where ulcers continue to run from a weakness
in the vessels of the parts, the tonic powers of copper promise
considerable advantage.
It is also frequently used with advantage in cases of ophthalmia,
depending on scrofula, where the palpebral are principally affect-
ed; but when it is to be thus applied, it is in general requisite
that it should be somewhat weakened by the addition of a pro-
portion of simple ointment or hog's lard.
UNGUENTUM SUB-MURIATIS HYDRARGYRI
AMMONIATI. Dub.
m
Ointment of Ammoniated Sub-muriate of Quicksilver.
Take of
Ointment of white wax, one pound;
Ammoniated sub-muriate of quicksilver, an ounce and a half.
Make into an ointment.
This is a very elegant mercurial ointment, and frequently
made use of in the cure of obstinate cutaneous affections.
UNGUENTUM SULPHURIS. Ed. L. D.
Sulphur Ointment.
Take of
Hog's lard, four parts;
Sublimed sulphur, one part.
To each pound of this ointment may be added,
Volatile oil of lemons, or
of lavender, half a drachm. (E.)
Sulphur is a certain remedy for the itch, more safe than men
cury. A pound of ointment serves for four unctions. The patient
is to be rubbed every night, a fourth part of the body at each
time. Though the disease may be thus cured by a single appli-
cation, it is in general advisable to touch the parts most affected
for a few nights longer, and to conjoin with the frictions the in-
ternal use of sulphur.
4 Z
730 Materia Medica.
URTICA DIOICA. Urtica. Herba, L.
Common nettle* The plant.
Monoecia Tetrandria, — Nat. ord. Scabridce,
This is a well known perennial weed. The leaves of the fresh
plant stimulate, inflame, and raise blisters on those parts of the
skin which thev touch. Hence, when a powerful rubefacient is
required, stinging with nettles has been recommended. It has
been alleged to have sometimes succeeded in restoring sense and
motion to paralytic limbs.
V.
VALERIANA OFFICINALIS. Ed,
Valeriana Sylvestris. Radix, L. D.
Wild valerian. The root,
Willd.g, 75, sp, 6. Triandria Monogynia, — Nat. ord. Aggregator,
This plant is perennial, and grows wild in Britain. It varies
in its appearance and sensible qualities, according to the situation
in which it grows. In marshes and shadowy places its leaves are
broader than on dry heaths and high pastures. The roots pro-
duced in low watery grounds, have a remarkably faint smell in
comparison of the others, and sometimes scarcely any. The roots
in autumn or winter, have much stronger sensible qualities than
those collected in spring and summer. The root consists of a
number of strings or fibres matted together, issuing from one com-
mon head, of a whitish or pale brownish colour: its smell is strong,
like a mixture of aromatics with fetids; the taste unpleasantly
warm, bitterish, and sub-acrid. Neumann got from 480 grains of
the dry root 186 alcoholic, and 74 watery extract; and inverse-
ly, 261 watery and 5 alcoholic. The distilled alcohol was slight-
ly, the water strongly impregnated with the smell of the valerian,
but no separable oil was obtained.
Medical use, — Wild valerian is a medicine of great use in ner-
vous disorders, and is particularly serviceable in epilepsies pro-
ceeding from a debility of the nervous system.
Some recommend it as useful in procuring sleep, particularly
in fever, even when opium fails: but it is principally useful in af-
fections of the hysterical kind.
V. — Valeriana. — Veratrum. 731
The common dose is from a scruple to a drachm in powder;
and in infusion, from one to two drachms. Its unpleasant flavour
is most effectually concealed by a suitable addition of mace.
As its virtues reside entirely in an essential oil, the decoction
and watery extract are improper forms for exhibiting it.
Officinal Preparations.
Tinctura Valerianae, L. - - vide Tincturce.
ammoniata, L. D. Tincturce Ammoniata*.
Extractum Valerianae, D. Extracts.
VERATRUM ALBUM. Radix. Ed.
Helleborus Albus. L. D.
White hellebore. The root.
Polygamia Monacia. — Nat. ord. Liliaceaz.
This plant grows spontaneously in Switzerland and the moun-
tainous parts of Germany. The root has a nauseous, bitterish,
acrid taste, burning the mouth and fauces: if wounded when fresh,
it emits an extremely acrimonious juice, which, when inserted
into a wound, is said to prove very dangerous. Neumann got
from 960 grains 560 watery and 10 alcoholic extract; and inverse-
ly, 420 alcoholic and 180 watery. Nothing rose in distillation.
Medical use. — The powder of the dried root, applied to an is-
sue, occasions violent purging; snuffed up the nose, it proves a
strong, and not always a safe, sternutatory. Taken internally, it
acts with extreme violence as an emetic; and has been observed,
even in a small dose, to occasion convulsions, and even death.
The ancients sometimes employed it in very obstinate cases; and
always made this their last resource. Modern practice seems to
have almost entirely rejected its internal use, though some have
ventured upon so large a dose as a scruple, in maniacal cases, and
are said to have experienced good effects from it.
Officinal Preparations.
Decoctum hellebori albi, L. - - vide Decocta.
Tinctura veratri albi, E. - - - Tincturce.
Unguentum hellebori albi, L. D. - - - Unguenta.
7S# Materia Medica.
VERONICA BECCABUNGA. Beccabunga. Herba. L. D.
Brooklime. The herb.
Willd. g. 44. sp. 30. Diandria Monogynia. — Nat. ord. Personatce.
This is a low perennial plant, common in little rivulets and
ditches of standing water. The leaves remain all the winter, but
are in greatest perfection in the spring. Their prevailing taste is
an herbaceous one, accompanied with a very light bitterness.
If any good effects be expected from brook-lime, it should be
used as food.
Officinal Preparation.
Succus cochlearise compositus, L. - vide Sued expressi.
VERATRUM LUTEUM.
DeviPs bit. Blazing star.
The root is a pungent bitter, and is employed as a tonic in some
parts of the union, in a spirituous infusion. A watery infusion of
the same is deemed an excellent anthelmintic, which in part seems
owing to a narcotic quality belonging to it.*
VINA MEDICATA.— MEDICATED WINES.
Parmentier has occupied thirty-two pages of the Annales de
Chirnie, to prove that wine is an extremely bad menstruum for
extracting the virtues of medicinal substances. His argument,
(for there is but one,) is, that by the infusion of vegetable sub-
stances in wine, its natural tendency to decomposition is so much
accelerated, that at the end of the process, instead of wine, we
have only a liquor containing the elements of bad vinegar. As a
solvent, diluted alcohol perfectly supersedes the use of wine; and
if we wish to use wine to cover the taste, or to assist the operation
of any medicine, M.Parmentierproposes,thatatincture of the sub-
stance should be extemporaneously mixed with wine as a vehicle.
Notwithstanding this argument appears to us to have great
weight, we shall give to the medicated wines, retained in the
-pharmacopoeias, the characters they still generally possess.
i
* Barton's Collections, Part II.p52.
V.— Vina Medicata. 733
*
VINUM ALOES SOCOTORINiE; vulgo, Tinctura
Sacra. Ed.
Wine of Socotorine Aloes, commonly called Sacred Tincture.
Vinum Aloeticum. D. Vinum Aloes. L,
Aloetic Wine.
Take of
Socotorine aloes, four ounces;
Canella alba, two ounces;
Spanish white wine, four pounds.
Powder the aloes and canella alba separately, then mix and pour
on the wine, afterwards digest for fourteen days, frequently
shaking the vessel: and, lastly, filter the liquor. (D.)
This medicine has long been in great esteem, not only as a ca-
thartic, but likewise as a stimulus.
It appears from long experience to be a medicine of excellent
service. The dose, as a purgative, is from one to two ounces. It
may be introduced into the habit, so as to be productive of ex-
cellent effects, as an alterant, by giving it in small doses, at proper
intervals: thus managed, it does not for a considerable time ope-
rate remarkably by stool; but at length proves purgative, and oc-
casions a lax habit of much longer continuance than that produced
by the other common cathartics.
VINUM FERRI. L.
Wine of Iron.
Vinum Ferratum; olim, Vinum Chalybeatum. D.
Ironated Wine, formerly Chalybeate Wine.
Take of
Iron filings, four ounces;
Spanish white wine, four pints.
Digest for a month, often shaking the vessel, and then strain. (L.)
This is merely a solution of the ferrum tartarisatum in wine;
for the iron is only dissolved in the wine by means of the super-
tartrate of potass it contains. The Rhenish wine directed by the
Dublin college, will, therefore, dissolve a larger quantity of iron
than the Spanish white wine of the London college. But a solu-
tion of a known proportion of the ferrum tartarisatum in wine,
will give a medicine of more equal powers, and may be made ex-
temporaneously.
The dose is from a drachm to half an ounce, repeated twice ai
thrice a-day in chlorotic cases.
734 Materia Medica.
VINUM GENTIANS COMPOSITUM;
Vulgo, Vinum Amarum. Ed.
Compound Wine of Gentian, commonly called Bitter Wine,
Take of
Gentian root, half an ounce;
Peruvian bark, one ounce;
Seville orange peel, dried, two drachms;
Canella alba, one drachm;
Diluted alcohol, four ounces;
Spanish white wine, two pounds and a half.
First pour the spirit on the root and bark cut and bruised, and
after twenty- four hours add the wine; then macerate for seven
days and strain. (E.)
This wine is intended to supply the place of the Tinctura ad
$to?nachicos, as it was formerly called. Wine is a menstruum
fully capable of extracting the active powers of the different in-
gredients; and it supplies us with a very useful and elegant
stomachic medirine, answering the purposes intended much
better than the celebrated elixir of Van Helmont, and other un-
chemical and uncertain preparations, which had formerly a place
in our pharmacopoeias.
VINUM IPECACUANHA. Ed. L. D.
Wine of Ipecacuanha.
fake of
The root of ipecacuanha, bruised, two ounces;
Spanish white wine, two pints.
Digest for ten days, and strain. (L.)
This wine is a very mild and safe emetic, and equally service-
able in dysenteries also, with the ipecacuanha in substance; this
root yielding nearly all its virtues to the Spanish white wine. The
common dose is an ounce, more or less, according to the age and
strength of the patient.
VINUM NICOTIANS TABACI. Ed.
Tobacco Wine~
Take of
The dried leaves of tobacco, one ounce;
Spanish white wine, one pound.
Macerate for seven days, and then strain the liquor. (E»)
V.— Vina Medicata. 735
Wine seems to extract more fully the active principles of the
tobacco than either water or spirit taken separately.
VINUM RHEI PALMATI. Edi
Vinum Rhabarbari. L.
Rhubarb Wine.
Take of
Rhubarb, sliced, two ounces;
Canella alba, one drachm;
Diluted alcohol, two ounces;
Spanish white wine, fifteen ounces.
Macerate for seven days, and strain through paper. (E.)
By assisting the solvent power of the wine the diluted alcohol
in the above formula, is a very useful addition.
This is a warm, cordial, laxative medicine. It is used chiefly
in weakness of the stomach and bowels, and some kinds of loose-
nesses, for evacuating the offending matter, and strengthening the
tone of the viscera. It may be given in doses of from half a
spoonful to three or four spoonfuls or more, according to the cir-
cumstances of the disorder, and the strength of the patient.
VINUM TARTRITIS ANTIMONII; olim, Vinum Anti-
MONIALE. Ed.
Wine of Tartrate of Antimony, formerly Antimonial Wine.
Vinum Tartari Stibiati. D. Vinum Ant. Tartar. L.
Wine of Antimoniated Tartar. Wine of Tartarized Antimony.
Take of
Antimoniated tartar, two scruples;
Distilled water, boiling hot, two ounces;
Spanish white wine, eight ounces.
Dissolve the antimoniated tartar in the water, and then add the
wine. (L.)
This is a solution of tartrate of antimony and potass in wine:
in preparing it with the glass of antimony, a portion of the glass
is dissolved by the super-tartrate of potass contained in the wine;
and as the quantity of this is variable, so also the quantity of oxide
of antimony dissolved, varies: and therefore the preparation ought
to be entirely rejected, since its strength can never be known. It
is to be regretted, that the strength of the solutions of tartar-
736 Materia Medica.
emetic in wine, as prescribed by the different colleges, is not uni-
form. According to the Edinburgh college, one ounce of the
solution contains two grains of tartar-emetic, while the same
quantity, according to the other colleges, contains four grains.
In its employment and effects, the vinous solution of tartar-
emetic does not differ from one made with water.
VIOLA ODORATA. Ed.
Viola. Flos recens. L. D.
March violet. The recent flower,
Willd. g. 446. sp. 12. Pentandria Monogynia. — Nat. ord. Cam-
panaceas.
This plant is perennial, and is found wild under hedges and
in shady places; but the shops are generally supplied from gar-
dens. Its flowers are so remarkable for their delightful odour,
and their peculiar richness of colour, that they have given a name
to both.
In our markets we meet with the flowers of other species:
these may be distinguished from the foregoing by their being
larger, of a pale colour, and of no smell.
Medical use. — They impart their colour and flavour to aqueous
liquors: a syrup made from this infusion has long maintained a
place in the shops, and is said to be an agreeable and useful laxa-
tive for children; but is chiefly valued as a delicate test of the
presence of uncombined acids or alkalies, the former changing
its blue to a red, and the latter to a green colour.
Officinal Preparation.
Syrupus violae odoratae, E. L. D. - - vide Syrupu .
V.— Vitis Vinifera. 737
VITIS VINIFERA. Fructus sice -atus, ejus que succusfermenta-
tus. Ed.
Vitis. Fructus* Uvapassa, Vinum. Tartarum, Tartari crystalln
Acetum. L.
UvtePass^:. Vinum album Hispanicum, Vinum album Rhenanum,
Vinum rubrum Lusitanicum, D.
The vine. Grapes, Raisins, Wine. Tartar. Crystals of tartar.
Vinegar.
Willd. g. 453. sp, 1. Pentandria Monogynia, — Nat. ord. Hede-
racecc.
The vine grows in temperate situations in many parts of the
world, and is cultivated very generally for the sake of its agree-
able sub-acid fruit. Before they are ripe, grapes are extremely
harsh and acid, and by expression furnish a liquor which is called
Verjuice. It contains malic acid, super-tartrate of potass, and ex-
tractive, and may be made to furnish wine by the addition of su-
gar. As the grape advances to maturity, the quantity of sugar
increases, while that of malic acid diminishes: it however never
disappears entirely. When thoroughly ripe, the grape is one of
the most agreeable fruits. It is cooling, antiseptic, and nutritious;
and, when eaten in considerable quantity, diuretic, and gently
laxative. In inflammatory diseases, and all others where acids
are indicated, they form an excellent article of diet.
Raisins, (uvee passce^) are grapes which have been carefully
dried. By this means not only the water they contained is dissi-
pated, but the quantity of acid seems to be diminished. They
become more saccharine, mucilaginous, and laxative, than the
recent grape, but are less cooling.
Officinal Preparations.
Decoctum althaea? officinalis, E. vide Decocta,
guaiaci compositum, E. - Idem,
hordei compositum, L. - Idem,
Tinctura cardamomi composita, L. D. - Tinctures.
sennae, L. D. - - - - Idem.
5 A
738 Materia Medica.
VINUM WINE-
D. Wyn. P. Vinho.
DA. fan. POL. Wino.
F. Fin. R. Wino, Winogradnoe wino,
G. Wein. S. Fmo.
I. Vino. SVV. rm.
Wine is the juice of the grape altered by fermentation. The
numerous varieties of wine depend principally on the proportion
of sugar contained in the must, and the manner of its fermenta-
tion. When the proportion of sugar is sufficient, and the fermen-
tation complete, the wine is perfect and generous: if the quantity
of sugar be too large, part of it remains undecomposed, as the
fermentation is languid, and the wine is sweet and luscious; if,
on the contrary, it be too small, the wine is thin and weak; and if
it be bottled before the fermentation be completed, it will proceed
slowly in the bottle, and, on drawing the cork, the wine will froth
and sparkle in the glass, as for example, Champaigne. When the
must is separated from the husk of the grape before it is ferment-
ed, the wine has little or no colour: these are called White wines.
If, on the contrary, the husks are allowed to remain in the must
while the fermentation is going on, the alcohol dissolves the co-
louring matter of the husks, and the wine is coloured: such are
called Red wines. Besides in these principal circumstances, wines
vary very much in flavour. The red wines most commonly drunk
in Great Britain are Port, which is strong and austere, containing
much tannin, arid Claret, which is thinner and higher flavoured.
The white wines are all strong, Madeira, Sherry, Lisbon, Mala-
ga, and Hock. Of these the last is the most acidulous, and Ma-
laga the sweetest.
Medical use. — Wine, taken in moderate quantities, acts as a
beneficial stimulus to the whole system. It promotes digestion,
increases the action of the heart and arteries, raises the heat of the
body, and exhilirates the spirits. Taken to excess, it produces
inebriety, which is often succeeded by headach, stupor, nausea,
and diarrhoea, which last for several days. Habitual excess in
wine debilitates the stomach, produces inflammation of the liver,
weakens the nervous system, and gives rise to dropsy, gout, apo-
plexy, tremors, and cutaneous affections.
To convalescents, and in all diseases of general debility, and
deficiency of the vital powers, wine is the remedy on which we
must place our chief dependance; and when properly administer-
ed, its effects are often scarcely credible.
W. — Wintera Aromatica. 739
w
WINTERA AROMATICA. Cortex. Eel
Winteranus Cortex ofHcinarwn,
Winters Bark*
IVilld, g, 1063. Pclyandria Tetratgynia. — Nat. ord. Oleracea.
D. IVintersbark.
I.
Scorza Magelanica.
DA. Vinter8bark.
P.
Cantlla de Winter.
F. Ecorce de Winter ; Ecorce
S.
Corteza Winterana, o Ma-
sans jiareiL ou sine fiari.
gelanica.
G. Wintersrinde, Amerikanische
sw,
Vintersbark.
gewurzrinde .
This is the produce of a tree growing about the southern pro-
montory of America. It was first discovered on the coast of Ma-
gellan by Captain Winter, in the year 1567: the sailors then em-
ployed the bark as a spice, and afterwards found it serviceable in
the scurvy ; for which purpose it is at present also sometimes made
use of in diet drinks. The true Winters bark is not often met
with in the shops, Canella alba being generally substituted for it,
and by some they are reckoned to be the same: there is, how-
ever, a considerable difference betwixt them in appearance, and
a greater in quality. The Winters bark is in large pieces, of a
more cinnamon colour than the canella, and tastes much warmer
and more pungent. Its smell resembles that of cascarilla. Its vir-
tues reside in a very hot, stimulant, essential oil.
740 Materia Medicu.
z.
ZANTHORHIZA APIIFOLIA.
ZANTHORHIZA TINCTORIA. Woodhouse.
Parsley leaved Yellow-root.
This is a native of North and South Carolina, and Georgia*
The bark and wood of the root is an intense bitter, the former
most so. The bark of the stem is perhaps little inferior. This
plant appears to be one of the most pure and unmixed bitters, and
it would seem to be nearly equal as a medicine to columbo.*
ZANTHOXYLUM CLAVA HERCULIS.
Tooth- ach tree.
The bark is a very powerful stimulant, and exerts its effects on
the salivary glands when applied to the mouth and external fauces,
and even when taken into the stomach. The seed-vessels possess
the same property. It has been given internally in rheumatism.
Another species, the zanthoxylum fraxinifolium, or prickly-ash,
is a vegetable endued with very active powers. A spiritous in-
fusion of the berries is much esteemed in Virginia in violent co-
lic. They are both more active than mezereon, and are well wor-
thy of the attention of our physicians.!
ZINCUM.— Ed. L. D. ZINC.
D. Zink, Sfdauter. P. Zinco.
DA. Zink. ' POL, Cynek.
F. Zinc. R. Schfiiautcr.
G. Zink) Sfiiauter. S. Zinco.
I. Zinco. SW. Zink.
Zinc is bluish-white, lamellated, sapid, and odorous; specific
gravity 7.190; laminable, soft, clogging the file; fusible at 700°;
Barton's Collections, Part II. p. 11. Medical Repository.
Barton's Collections. Part 1. p. 25. 52. Part II. p. 58.
Z. — Zincum. 741
vaporizable; a powerful agent in the phenomena of galvanism;
oxidized by fusion; at a read heat it catches fire, and emits white
films of oxide, which contain about 0.33 oxygen; it is soluble in
hydrogen; it combines with phosphorus, sulphur, arsenic, anti-
mony, and mercury; it easily decomposes water; it is oxidized
and dissolved by almost all the acids. Oxide, white films.
It is always found oxidized,
1. Combined with a greater or less proportion of carbonic
acid. Calamine.
2. Combined with sulphur. Blende.
3. Combined with sulphuric acid, generally in solution.
The ores of zinc are rarely worked by themselves, or with the
sole intention of extracting zinc, but are generally melted with
the lead ores, particularly' galena, which they commonly accom-
pany. By this process the zinc is obtained in two forms; part of
it is sublimed in the state of an oxide, and attaches itself to the
chimmey of the furnace in the form of a grey, granular, earthy-
like, incrustation, which is known by the name of tutty or cadmia;
part of it is sublimed in its metallic form, and is condensed in the
throat of the chimney in small grains, which are afterwards melt-
ed in a crucible, and cast in ingots.
Officinal Preparations.
Oxidum zinci, E. L. D.
Sulphas zinci, E. L. D.
OXIDUM ZINCI IMPURUM. Ed. Tutia. L. D.
Impure oxide of zinc. Tutty.
It is moderately hard and ponderous; of a brownish colour,
and full of small protuberances on the outside, smooth and yellow-
ish within; some pieces have a bluish cast, from minute globules
of zinc in its metallic form. Tutty is celebrated as an ophthalmic,
and frequently employed as such in unguents and collyria.
Officinal Preparations.
Oxidum zinci impurum prrpparatum, E. L.
Unguentum oxidi zinci impuri, E. L. D. - vide Unguents.
742 Materia Medica*
OXIDUM ZINCI. Ed.
Oxide of Zinc,
Zincum Calcinatum. L.
Calcined Zinc,
Calx Zinci; olim, Flores Zinci. D.
Calx of Zinc, formerly Flowers of Zinc.
Let a large crucible be placed in a furnace filled with live coals7
so as to be somewhat inclined towards its mouth; and when
the bottom of the crucible is moderately red, throw into it a
small piece of zinc, about the weight of a drachm. The zinc
soon inflames, and is at the same time converted into white
flakes, which are to be from time to time removed from the
the surface of the metal with an iron spatula, that the combus-
tion may be more complete; and at last, when the zinc ceases
to flame, the oxide of zinc is to be taken out of the crucible.
Having put in another piece of zinc, the operation is to be re-
peated, and may be repeated as often as is necessary. Lastly,
the oxide of zinc is to be prepared in the same way as the car-
bonate of lime. (E.)
This is an instance of simple oxidizement. At a red heat,
zinc attracts the oxygen of the atmosphere so strongly, that it is
quickly covered with a crust of white oxide, which prevents the
air from acting on the metal below; and therefore we are desired
to operate only on small pieces at a time, and to place the cruci-
ble so that we may easily take out the oxide formed, and intro-
duce fresh pieces of zinc. As soon as the crust of oxide is broken
or removed the zinc inflames, and burns with a brilliant white or
greenish, blue flame, being at the same time converted into very
light white flocculi. To save these as much as possible, we are
directed to use a very deep and large crucible, and to cover it
with an inverted crucible. But as we must not cover it so as to
prevent the access of the air, it is doubtful whether the latter pre-
caution be of much service. The greater part of the zinc is, how-
ever, oxidized in the crucible, without being previously converted
into vapour; and as this portion of the oxide is always mixed
with particles of zinc, it is necessary to separate them by tritura-
tion and elutriation.
The oxide thus obtained is of a pure white colour without
smell or taste, infusible and fixed in the fire, insoluble in water or
alcohol, and entirely soluble in acids. The presence of lead in it
is detected by sulphuric acid, which forms in^that case an insolu-
Z. — Zincum. — Carb. Zinci Impurus. 743
ble sulphate of lead. The white oxide of zinc contains 82.15
zinc, and 17.85 oxygen.
Medical use. — White oxide of zinc is applied externally as a
detergent and exsiccant remedy. With twice its weight of axunge,
it forms an excellent application to deep chaps, or excoriated nip-
ples. But besides being applied externally, it has also of late been
used internally. In doses from one to seven or eight grains, it
has been much celebrated in the cure of epilepsy and several spas-
modic affections: and there are sufficient testimonies of their good
effects, where tonic remedies in those affections are proper.
Officinal Preparation.
Unguentum oxidi zinci, E. vide Unguenta.
OXIDUM ZINCI IMPURUM PRiEPARATUM. Ed.
Prepared Impure Oxide of Zinc,
Tutia Priparata. L.
Prepared Tutty.
It is prepared as carbonate of lime.
This oxide is prepared for external use only.
CARBONAS ZINCI IMPURUS. Ed,
Lapis Calaminaris. L. D.
Impure carbonate of zinc. Calamine,
D. Kalmei, Kalamintstcen. P. Calamina^ Pedra calamina-
DA. Galmey. via.
F. Calamine, Pierre calaminaire . POL. Galmaia, Galman.
G. Galmey. R. Kamtn kalaminar, Galmeja.
I. Gialla ?ninay Zellamina, Pie- S. Calami na,Piedra caiaminar.
tra calaminarifi. SW. Gallmeja.
This mineral is found plentifully in England, Germany, and
other countries, either in distinct mines, or intermingled with the
ores of different metals. It is usually of a greyish, brownish, yel-
lowish, or pale reddish colour; without lustre, or transparency;
fracture commonly uneven or earthy; considerably hard, though
not sufficiently so as to strike fire with steel. Before the blow-
pipe it decrepitates, but does not melt, and becomes yellower,
and is sublimed. It is partly soluble in acids, and often effer-
vesces with them.
Mr. Smithson has analysed several varieties of Calamine.
4.333
65.2
34.8
4.336
64.8
35.2
3.598
71.4
13.5
15.1
3.434
68.3
4.4
25.
38.
12.
50.
744 Materia Medtca.
Sp. Grav. Ox. of Zinc, Carb. Acid, Water. Quartz.
Derbyshire
Somersetshire
Carinthia
Hungary
Fribourg
Calamine is generally roasted before it comes into the shops,
to render it more easily reducible into a fine powder. In this
state it is employed in collyria, against defluxions of thin acrid
humours upon the eyes, for drying up moist running ulcers, and
healing excoriations.
CARBONAS ZINCI IMPURUS PRiEPARATUS. Ed.
Prepared Impure Carbonate of Zinc.
Lapis Calaminaris Pr^paratus. L. D.
Prepared Calamine.
The impure carbonate of zinc, after being roasted by those who
make brass, is prepared in the same way as carbonate of lime,
(E.)
As this oxide of zinc is intended for external application, and
often to parts very easily irritated, too much pains cannot be
bestowed in reducing it to a fine powder.
SULPHAS ZINCI. Vitriolum album, L. D.
Sulphate of zinc. White vitriol.
This is chiefly found native in the mines of Goslar, sometimes
in transparent pieces, but more commonly in the form of white
efflorences, which are dissolved in water, and afterwards reduced
by evaporation and crystallization into large masses. But as na-
tive sulphate of zinc is seldom pure, it is ordered to be prepared.
Medical use. — White vitriol is sometimes given, from five or
six grains to half a drachm, as an emetic; it operates very quickly,
and, j£ pure, without violence. Externally it is employed as an
ophthalmic, and often made the basis of collyria, both in extem-
poraneous prescription and in dispensatories.
Z. — Zincum. — Sulphas Zinci. 745
SULPHAS ZINCI. Ed.
Sulphate of Zinc,
Zincum Vitriolatum. L. D.
Vitriolatcd Zinc.
Take of
Zinc, cut into small pieces, three ounces;
Sulphuric acid, five ounces;
Water, twenty ounces.
Mix them, and when the effervescence is finished, digest the mix-
ture for a little on hot sand; then strain the decanted liquor
through paper, and after proper evaporation set it apart, that
it may crystallize. (E.)
The sulphate of zinc of commerce is never pure, but always
contains iron, copper, and a little lead. From the mode of its
preparation, there is also a deficiency of acid and water of crystal-
lization. The means directed for purifying it by the London and
Dublin colleges will supply these, but do not separate the foreign
metals, except perhaps the lead. If, therefore, a pure sulphate of
zinc be wanted, we may, according to the directions of the Edin-
burgh college, dissolve pure zinc in pure sulphuric acid; but we
believe this process is very rarely practised, especially as the
common sulphate of zinc may be sufficiently purified by exposing
it in solution to the air, by which means red oxide of iron is pre-
cipitated, and by digesting it upon pure zinc, which precipitates
the other metals.
Sulphate of zinc crystallizes in tetrahedral prisms terminated by
pyramids. It has a metallic styptic taste; effloresces slowly when
exposed to the air. It is soluble in 2.5 parts of water at 60°, and
in much less boiling water. It is not soluble in alcohol. It is
decomposed by the alkalies and earths, hydroguretted sulphurets,
and sulphuretted hydrogurets. It consists of 20 oxide of zinc, 40
acid, and 40 water of crystallization.
Mediccdusc. — Sulphate of zinc, in doses from ten grains to half
a drachm, operates almost instantly as an emetic, and is at the
same time perfectly safe. It is therefore given, when immediate
vomiting is required, as in cases where poison has been swal-
lowed. By employing it internally, in smaller doses, it acts as a
tonic; and some think it in every case preferable to the oxide of
zinc.
Externally, it is used as a styptic application to stop hemorrha-
gies; diminish increased discharges, as gonorrhoea; and to cure
external inflammations arising from debility and relaxation of
the blood-vessels, as in some cases of ophthalmia.
5 B
746 Materia Medica.
SOLUTIO SULPHATIS ZINCI. Ed.
Solution of Sulphate of Zinc.
Take of
Sulphate of zinc, sixteen grains;
Water, eight ounces;
Diluted sulphuric acid, sixteen drops.
Dissolve the sulphate of zinc in the water; then, having added
the acid, filter through paper. (E.)
The acid is here added to dissolve the excess of oxide of zinc,
which the common sulphate often contains. This solution is of a
strength proper for injecting into the urethra in gonorrhoea, or
applying to the eyes in chronic ophthalmia.
AQUA ZINCI VITRIOLATI cum CAMPHORA. L.
Water of Vitriolated Zinc with Camphor.,
Take of
Vitriolated zinc, half an ounce;
Camphorated spirit, half an ounce, by measure;
Boiling water, two pints.
Mix and filter through paper. (L.)
It is used externally as a lotion for some ulcers, particularly
those in which it is necessary to restrain a great discharge. It is
also not unfrequently employed as a collyrium in some cases of
ophthalmia, where a large discharge of watery fluid takes place
from the eyes with but little inflammation; but when it is to be
applied to this tender organ, it ought first, at least, to be diluted
by the addition of more water.
AQUA ALUMINIS COMPOSITA. L.
Compound Alum Water.
Take of
Alum,
Vitriolated zinc, of each half an ounce;
Boiling distilled water, two pints.
Pour the water on the salts in a glass vessel, and strain. (L.)
This water was long known in the "shops, under the title of
Aqua aluminoaa Bateana.
It is used for cleansing and healing ulcers and wounds; and
for removing cutaneous eruptions, the part being bathed with
Z. — Zincum. — Tinct. Acet. Zinci. 747
It hot three or four times a day. It is sometimes likewise employ-
ed as a collyrium; and as an injection in gonorrhoea and fluor
albus, when not accompanied with virulence.
SOLUTIO ACETITIS ZINCI. Ed.
Solution of Acetite of Zinc.
Take of
Sulphate of zinc, a drachm;
Distilled water, ten ounces.
Dissolve.
Take of
Acetite of lead, four scruples;
Distilled water, ten ounces.
Dissolve.
Mix the solutions; let them stand at rest a little, and then filter
the liquor. (E.)
TINCXURA ACETATIS ZINCI. Dub.
Tincture of Acetate of Zinc.
Take of
Sulphate of zinc,
Acetate of kali, each one ounce.
Triturate them together, and add one pint of rectified spirit of
wine.
Macerate for a week, with occasional agitation, and strain through
paper.
This is a case of double elective attraction, the lead combin-
ing and forming an insoluble compound with the sulphuric acid,
while the zinc unites with the acetic acid, and remains in solution.
The acetate of zinc may be obtained by evaporation in talcky
crystals. It is soluble in water, and is decomposed by heat. It is
not poisonous.
When crystallized acetate of lead and sulphate of zinc are
triturated together, the mixture presently becomes moist, which
is owing to the new compounds combining with less water of
crystallization than the original salts, by which means a portion of
the water is disengaged in its fluid form.
Medical use. — The solution of acetate of zinc is with many
practitioners deservedly much esteemed as an astringent col-
lyrium, and injection. The solution in spirit of wine of the
Dublin college is stronger and more stimulant than that in water
of the Edinburgh.
748
The following articles were omitted in their respective places.
FUCUS VESICULOSUS.
Murray, g. 1 205. sp. 8. — Nat. ord. Algae.
Quercus marina, frvctibus prxsentibus. D.
Yellow bladder wrack-
This is one of the most common sea-weeds found on our shores. Its value in the
manufacture of kelp is well known. In medicine it is little used; but the charcoal ob-
tained by burning it in close vessels has in some places got the name of iEthiops vege-
tabilis. It is to be considered as a compound of charcoal and carbonate of soda.
Officinal Preparation.
Pulvis quercus marinae. D.
HIRUDO MEDICINALIS. Dub.
The leech.
CI. Vermes. Ord. Helmintheca.
Only one species of leech is used in medicine. It has a flat and slimy body, composed
of rings, tapering towards the head, which is turbinated, commonly about two or three
inches long, and of the thickness of a goose quill, but capable of elongating or contract-
ing itself very much. Its back is of a dull olive-green colour, divided into three near-
ly equal parts by four yellow longitudinal lines, the two lateral entire, the two central
broken with black. Besides these, between the lateral and central lines on each side,
there are two others, resembling a chain of black and yellow. The belly is turkey
blue, irregularly marked with yellow spots. It attaches itself to solid substances by
either end, being furnished with a circular sucker at the anal extremity, and a horse-
shoe one at the head, with a triangular mouth in the centre.
They should be collected in summer, in waters having a clear sandy bottom, as the
bite of those found in stagnant waters and marshes is said to cause pain and inflamma-
tion. For the same reason, the horse leech, which is entirely brown, or only marked
with a marginal yellow line, is commonly rejected, although they are used frequently
in the north of Europe, and during the late scarcity of leeches have occasionally been
employed, without any bad consequences, in this country. The vulgar story of their
drawing the whole blood out of the body, by evacuating it at one end as fast as they
sucked it in at the other, if true, would give them a superiority over the others,
as when a sufficient quantity of blood was drawn, there could be no difficulty in ma-
king them quit, even without passing a ligature round their necks.
Leeches are best preserved for use in a bottle half filled with pure spring or river
water, and covered with gauze or muslin, although they are said not to die even in an
exhausted receiver, nor in a vessel filled with oil. It is advisable frequently to change
the water in which they are kept, although there are instances of their being many
months, and even years in the same water; and it is remarkable, that water hi which
thev are, keeps much longer sweet, than by itseif. It is scarcely necessary to observe,
thai whenever the water becomes turbid or foul, or gets an unpleasant smell, or any
of the leeches die in it, it should be changed. They should always be kept in a mode-
rate temperature, about 50° Fahr. Some recommend throwing a little bran into the
water; but it is so well ascertained that they will live for years without any such addi-
tion, that it is better not to attempt to feed them, until we are better acquainted with
their natural food. Though apparently so hardy, leeches are sometimes subject to
great mortality from unknown causes, as in 1798 and 1799. Infection, in some cases,
seems evident. To avoid danger from this source, they should be kept rather in seve-
ral small vessels, than in one large reservoir; and when fresh leeches are procured,
they should always be kept by themselves, and their health ascertained, before they
are added to the general stock. When they have gorged themselves with blood, they
frequently die of indigestion, and cause a great mortality even among those who have
uot been used. To avoid this danger, leeches which have recently sucked, should also
749
be kept by themselves, until they have recovered their usual vigour. The treatment of
the individuals which have performed their office, has been thie subject of some con-
troversy. One recommends using no n&ans to make them disgorge the blood they
have sucked, but onlv to immerse them for half an hour in milk-warm water, and to
change their water regularly every second day for some time; others advise stripping
them, as it is called, that is, taking hold of the tail between the finger and thumb of
the left hand, and drawing the animal through those of the right, so as to evacuate the
blood; while others, again, apply salt to their heads until they vomit all the blood they
have sucked. Leeches change their skin frequently. At that time they are subject to
indisposition, and will not bite. The removal of the old cuticle may sometimes be as-
sisted by wiping them with a bit of soft linen.
Medical use. — Leeches are a very old and useful remedy in every case requiring
local blood-letting. They cause less irritation than cupping, and can often be applied
nearer to the part.
They are used,
1. In i anamination of all kinds, ophthalmia, phrenitis, cynanche, rheumatismus,
odontalgia, podagra.
2. In some cases of rubeola and scarlatina.
3. In suppressed natural or habitual hiemorrhagies, especially piles.
4. In plethora of the head, chincough, in mania from suppressed discharges.
5. Dysuria phlogistica.
The application of leeches is sometimes attended with difficulty. When changing
their skin they will not bite, and are averse to it in cloudy rainy weather, and in the
evening. When kept out of the water some minutes before they are applied, and al-
lowed to crawl on dry linen, they are said to bite more eagerly. The part to whick
they are to be applied should be very well washed, first uiih soap and water, and af-
terwards with water, or milk and water, and if covered with strong hairs, should be
shaved. When they are not inclined to bite, the part may be moistened with milk, or
a little blood drawn from it by a scratch with a lancet. When they fix, they inflict,
without causing much pain, a wound of three minute flaps, meeting at equal angles,
from which they suck blood until they are gorged, and drop oft" spontaneously, or are
forced to quit their hold by sprinkling on them a little salt. A !arge leech will draw
about an ounce of blood; but the quantity may be muetl increased by bathing the
wounds with tepid water, or applying over them cupping glasses. Sometimes it is
more difficult to stop the bleeding; but it will always cease on applying a little lint, and
continuing pressure a sufficient length of time.
RUMEX AQUATIC US. Dub.
Sp. 18. Willd.sp. Z.Smith.
Great water dock.
Officinal. — Radix. The root.
This is a perennial weed, growing in ditches and by the sides of rivers. It grows to
the height of five feet, ami flowers in July and August. The root is large, and is mani-
fest^ astringent It evidently is the Herba Britannica of the ancients, so much cele-
brated for the cure of scurvy and cu aneous diseases. Even syphilis has been said to
yield to an infusion of water dock in wine and vinegar
TABLES,
Showing1 the Proportion of Antimony, Opium, and Quick*
silver, contained in some Compound Medicines*
TARTRITE OF ANTIMONY.
Wine of Tar trite of Antimony contains two grains of tai trite of anti-
mony, or tartar-emetic, in tire ounce. Ed.
OPIUM.
Opiate Confection contains one grain of opium in thirty-six grains ♦
Lond.
Opiate or Thebaic Electuary contains in each drachm about a grain
and a half of opium. Ed.
Electuary of Catechu, or Japonic Confection, contains in each ounce
about two grains and a half of opium; for one grain of opium is con-
tained in one hundred and ninety-three grains. Ed.
Compound Electuary of Catechu contains in each ounce about two
grains and a half of purified opium. Bub.
Compound Powder of Chalk with Opium contains one grain of opium
in about forty-three grains. Lond.
Compound Powder of Ipecacuan contains one grain of opium in ten
grains. Lond. Dub.
Powder of Ipecacuan and Opium contains six grains of opium in
each drachm, or one in ten. Ed.
Opiate Powder contains one grain of opium in ten. Lond.
Pills of Opium contain one grain of opium in five. Lond.
Opiate or Thebaic Pills contain six grains of opium in each drachm,
or five grains contain half a grain of opium. Ed.
Pills of St or ax, m five grains of the mass, contain one grain of puri-
fied opium. Dub.
Tincture of Ofiium or Liquid Laudanum is made with two scruples
of opium in each ounce of the liquid, or with five grains in each
drachm ; but a drachm of the tincture appears, by evaporation, to
Contain about three grains and a half of opium. Ed.
Tincture of Opium contains, in a drachm measure, about four grains
and a half of purified opium. Dub.
Camphorated Tincture of Opium contains in four drachms and a
half, by measure, one grain of purified opium. Dub.
Ammoniated Tincture of Opium, or Paregoric Elixir, is made with
ubout eight grains in each ounce of the liquid, or with about one grain
in the drachm. Ed.
Syrup of Opium contains in an ounce measure about a grain of .
the watery extract of opium; for the liquor, by the addition of the
sugar, is more than doubled in bulk. Dub.
Tincture of Soap and Opium, formerly called Opiate Liniment,
Anodyne Balsam, is made with one scruple of opium in each ounce of
the liquid. Ed.
Troches of Liquorice with Opium contain about one grain of opium
in each drachm. Ed.
Tables, &c. 751
QUICKSILVER.
Quicksilver Pills contain five grains of quicksilver in each drachm.
Each pill contains one grain of quicksilver. Ed.
Quicksilver Pills contain four grains of quicksilver in twelve grains.
Lond.
Quicksilver Pills contain in six grains two of quicksilver. Dub.
Quicksilver Ointment contains twelve grains of quicksilver in each
drachm; made with double quicksilver, each drachm contains twenty-
four grains. Ed.
Stronger Quicksilver Ointment contains one drachm of quicksilver
in two drachms. Lond. Dub.
Weaker Quicksilver Ointment contains one drachm of quicksilver in
six drachms. Lond.
Quicksilver Plaster contains about sixteen grains of quicksilver in
each drachm. Ed.
Plaster of Litharge with Quicksilver contains about one ounce of
quicksilver in five ounces. Lond.
Plaster of Ammoniac with Quicksilver contains about one ounce of
quicksilver in. five ounces. Lond.
Quicksilver with Magnesia^ in three grains, contains two of quick-
silver. Dub.
Powder of Scammony with Calomel contains one grain of calomel in
four grains. Lond.
Ointment of Nitrated Quicksilver contains twelve grains of nitrated
quicksilver in one drachm. Lond.
Stronger Ointment of J\ Urate of Quicksilver contains in each drachm
four grains of quicksilver and eight of nitrous acid. Ed.
Milder Ointment of Nitrate of Quicksilver contains in each scruple
half a grain of quicksilver and one grain of nitrous acid. Ed.
Ointment of White Calx of Quicksilver contains in each drachm
about four grains and a half of the calx. Lond.
IRON.
Tincture of Acetate of Iron with Alcohol, in a drachm measure, con-
tains about a grain of dry acetate of iron. Dub.
Or, one grain of Tartrite of Antimony is contained in
Wine of tartrite of antimony. Ed. - grs. 240
Wine of antimoniated tartar. Dub. 120
Wine of tartarised antimony. Lond. - • - - 120
Wine of antimony. Lond. uncertain.
One grain of Opium is contained in
Opiate confection. Lond. ------ grS. 50
Opiate electuary. Ed. 43
Electuary of catechu. Ed. Dub. 193
Troches of liquorice with opium. Ed. 75
Pills of opium. Lond. 5
Pills of storax. Dub. - - 5
Opiate Pills. Ed. 10
752 Materia Medica.
Opiate Powder. Lond. - - 1(5
Compound powder of chalk with opium. Lond. - - 43
Compound powder of ipecacuan. Lond. Dub. 10
Powder of ipecacuan and opium. Ed. - 10
Tincture of opium. Ed. Lond. Dub. 12
Camphorated tincture of opium. Lond. Dub. - 244
Ammoniated tincture of opium. Ed. - - - - - 68
Tincture of soap and opium. Ed. 31.5
Syrup of opium. Dub. 480
One grain of ^idcksilver is contained in
Quicksilver pills. Land. Dub. ------ grs. 3
ditto Ed. 4
Stronger quicksilver ointment. Lond. Dub. - . - - 2
Weaker quicksilver ointment. Lond. Dub. - 6
Quicksilver ointment. Ed. 5
Quicksilver plaster. Ed. ------ 5.5
Litharge plaster with quicksilver. Lond. - - - -5.
Ammoniac plaster with quicksilver. Lond. - 5.
Quicksilver with magnesia. Dub. - - - - - 1.5
Quicksilver with chalk. Dub. 1.5
One grain of Calomel is contained in
Powder of scammony with calomel. Lond. - grs. 4
One grain of the Grey Oxide of Quicksilver is contained in Oint-
ment of the grey oxide of quicksilver. Ed. - - grs. 4
One grain of the Red Oxide of Quicksilver is contained in Oint-
ment of red oxide of quicksilver. Ed. - - - grs. 9
One grain of Sub-muriate of Quicksilver and Ammonia is
contained in
Ointment of white calx ol quicksilver. Lond. - - grs. 13
One grain of Nitrate of Mercury is contained in
Stronger ointment of nitrate of mercury. Ed. - - grs. 5
Ointment of nitrated quicksilver. Lond. Dub. 5
Miicler Ointment of nitrate of quicksilver. Ed. - - - 1 3
In many instances these proportions are only to be considered as
approximations to the truth, as they are calculated from the quantities
of the ingredients taken to form the preparation, not from the quan-
tities which exist in it after it is formed. The nitrate of mercury, for
example, in the different ointments into which it enters, is estimated
as equal to the whole quantity of mercury and nitrous acid employed
to form it, although, from the very nature jof the preparation, it cannot
be so much. In the solutions of opium, the opium is estimated as equal
to the whole quantity employed} although not above two-thirds of it
be dissolved. And, lastly, no allowance is made for the loss by evapora-
tion.
POSOLOGICAL AND PROSODIAL TABLE,
AcETIS potassae, 3'i to Ji
Acetitis ammoniae aqua, %\] to 3vi
Acidum acetosum impurum, $i to ^ss; ^i to §ij, in clyster*
destil latum, ditto
aromaticum analeptic
forte, 9 i to 31
camphoratum analefitic
Acidi acetosi syrupus, 3ito 3ij
carbonici aqua, ffeij daily
Acidum benzoicum, gr. x to 3SS
muriaticum, gt. x to gt. xl
nitrosum, gt. v to gt. xx
dilutum, gt. x to xl
succinicum, gr. v to 9i.
sulphuricum dilutum, gt. xv to gt. xxx
aromaticum, gt. xv to xxx
Aconiti napelli herba, gr. i to gr. v
succus spissatus, gr. 1 to gr. iij.
Acori calami radix, ^i to 31
Aesculi hippocastani cortex, 3ss to 31
Aether sulphuricus, gt. xx to ^\.
cum alcohole, 3SS to 31J
cum alcohole aromaticus, 3ss to 3*j
Alcohol, 3ss to 3i
ammoniatum, 3ss to 3i
aromaticum, 3ss to 3*
foetidum, 3$s to 31
succinatum, gt. x to xl
Allii sativi radix, 31 to 3ij
Aloes perfoliate socotorinae succus spissatus, gr. v to xv
pulvis cum canella, gr. x to 9i
pulvis cum ferro, gr. v to 3i
pulvis cum guaiaco, gr. x to 3i
pilulae, gr. xv. to 3»s
pilulae compositae, gr x to xxv
pilulae cum assa foetida, gr. x to 9i
cum colocynthide, gr. v to gr. x
cum myrrha, gr. x to 9i
tinctura, 3ss to 3ij-
tinctura cum myrrha, 3ss to 3ij
tinctura aetherea, 3ss to 31J
5C
754 Materia Medica.
Aloes perfoliate vinum, ^ss to ^iss
extractum, gr. v to xv.
Althaeae officinalis decoctum, ad libitum
syrupus, 3i to 3HJ
Aluminae sulphas, §ss to 9i
sulphatis pulvis compositus, gr. x to 3ss
Ammoniae aqua, gt. x to xv
acetitis aqua, 5ss
hydro-sulphuretum, gt. v to xij
carbonas, gr. v to gr. xv
carbonatis aqua, gt. xx to 31
Ammoniacum gummi resina, gr. x to 3^
Ammoniaci lac, 3 iij to gi
Amomi zingiberis radix, gr. v to 9i
syrupus, 3i to 3iij
tinctura, 31 to 3iij
repentis semina, gr. v to §i
tinctuya, 31 to 3iij
tinctura composita, 3i to 5"J
zedoariae radix, 9i to 3i
Amygdali communis oleum fixum, 3iij to 5i
emulsio, ft> ij daily.
Amyli mucilago, ^iv to ^vj in clyster
trochisci, 31 to 3'ij
Amyridis elemiferae resina, gr. x to 3ss
gileadensis resina Iiquida, 9i to 31
Anethi graveolentis semina, 9i to ${
aqua destillata, ±i to ±iij
foeniculi semina, 9i to 31
aqua destillata, ^i to ^iij
oleum volatile, gt. ij to gt. v
Angelicae archangelicae radix, herba, semen, 3ssto 5iij.
Angusturse cortex, gr. x to 9i
Anthemidis nobilis flores, 9i to 51
decoctum, in clyster
extractum, gr. x to 3i
pyrethri radix, gr. iij to 9i
Antimonii sulphuretum praeparatum, gr. xv to 9ij
fuscum (kermes mineralis), gr. i to iss
praecipitatum, gr. i to iv
oxidum cum sulphure per nitratem potassae, gr. i to iv
cum sulphure vitrincatum, gr. \ to iss
vitrificatum cum cera, gr. iij to 9i
cum phosphate calcis, gr. iij to viij
album (antimonium calcinatum), gr. x to 3ss
et potassae tartris, gr. i to iii
tartritis vinum, 3ij to vi
vinum, 3iij to 5ss
pilulae compositae, gr. iij to v
Apii petroselini semina, 9i to ij
Arbuti uvae ursi folia, gr. x to 9^j
Posological and Prosodial Table. 755
Arctii lappae radix, a decoction q/*§ij in ffoij of water -, daily
Argenti nitras, gr. \ to \
Ari maculati radix, gr. vi to 9i
conserva, 3ss"to 3iss
Aristolochiae serpentariae radix, 9i to 31
tinctura, 31 to 3»ij
Arnicae montanae herba, gr. v to x
Arsenici oxidum album, gr. \
Artemisiae abrotani folia, 9 i to 31
maritimae cacumina, 9i to_3i
conserva, 3ij to tss
santonicae cacumina, 3SS to 3i
absinthii herba, 9i to 9ij
Asari Europaeae folia, gr. ij to iv
pulvis compositus, gr. v to 9i
Astragali tragacanthae pulvis compositus, 3ss to 5iss
Atropae belladonnae folia, gr. ss to gr. v
succus spissatus, gr. \ to gr. iij
Barytae muriatis solutio, gr. v to x
Bitumen petroleum sulphuratum, gr. v to 5ss
Bituminis petrolei oleum, gt. x to xxx
Bolus gallicus, 9i to 3i
Bubonis galbani gummi resina, gr. x to 9i
pilulae compositae, gr. x to 3ss
tinctura, 3i to iij
Calcis aqua, 3W to ffoi daily
muriatis solutio, gt. xl to 31
carbonas praeparatus, 9i to 31
carbonatis mistura, ji to ij
pulvis compositus, 9i to ij
carbonatis pulvis compositus cum opio, gr. xv to 9ij
trochisci, 3i to ij
Cancri astaci lapilli praeparatae, 3ss to i
paguri chelae praeparatae, 3ss to i
chelarum pulvis compositus, 9i to j
Canellae albae cortex, gr. xv to 9ij
Capsici annui fructus, gr. v to x
Cardamines pratensis flores, 3ss to 31
Cari carui semina, gr. x to 3i
oleum volatile, gt. i to v
spiritus, 3ij to Izi
Caryophylli aromatici floris germen, gr. v to *)i
oleum volatile, gt. iij to v
Cassiae fistulae pulpa, ^ss to i
electuarium, 3ij to ^i
sennae folia, 9i to 3i
pulvis compositus, 9i to 31
infusum, 7^\ to iij
infusum tartarisatum, 5iss to iij
tinctura, 5ss to 5i _
electuari :m, 5i to gss
extractum, gr. x to 3SS
756 Materia Mediea.
Castoreum Rossicum, gr. x to 9i
Castorei tinctura, 3i to ij
composita, 3SS to i
Centaureae benedictae herba, gr. xv to 3*
Cephaelidis ipecacuanhas radix, 9i to 3ss
vinum, 5ss to 5i
pulvis compositus, 9ss to 9i
Cera, 9i to 3** i™ emulsion
Cervi elaphi cornu decoctum, ^ij to iv
ustum, ^ss to ^iss
Chironiae centaurei summitates, £i to 31
Cinarae scolymi folia, ^ss to i, of 'he expressed juice
Cinchonae officinalis cortex, 9i to 3ij
decoctum, ^i to iv
infusum, ^i to iv
tinctura, 31 to 3ij
tinctura ammoniata, 3ss to ij
tinctura composita, 3i to iij
extractum, gr. x to §i
extractum cum resina, gr. v to 3i
Cjssampeli pareirae radix, gr. xv to 9ij
Cisti cretici resina (Ladanum,) gr. x to 3ss
Citri aurantii folia, flores, gr. x to 31
fructu6 cortex exterior, 3ss to 9ij
aqua destillata, 5i to iij
syrupus corticis, 31 to ij
tinctura corticis, 31 to ij
conserva corticis, 3lj to v
medicae, succus expressus, 31 to ^ss.
succus spissatus, 31 to 5ij
syrupus succi, 31 to iij
fructus cortex exterior, 5ss to ij, t» infusion
aqua destillata, ji to iij
oleum volatile, gt. ii to gt. v
Cochleariae officinalis herba, Jito iv, of the juice
succus compositus, 5i to iv
Cochleariae armoraciae radix, 3i to 3i
spiritus compositus, 3iij to 5i
Colchici autumnalis radix, gr. ss to iij
syrupus, 3i to 5ji
oxymel, $i to 3jss
Colombae radix gr. x to 9i
tinctura, 31 to iij
Confectio aromatica, gr. xv to 3i
opiata, gr. x to 3ss
Conii maculati folia, gr. iij
succus spissatus, gr. |to gr. iij
Convolvuli scammoniae gummi resina, gr. y to gr. xv
pulvis compositus, gr. x to gr. xv
pulvis cum aloe, gr. x to xv
pulvis cum calomelane, grf. x to 3'i
electuarium, 3ss to i
Posological and Prosodial Table. 757
Convolvuli jalapae radix, gr. x to 3ss
pulvis compositus, 3ss to %i
tinctura, %\ to iij
extractum, 9ss to 9i
Copaiferae officinalis resina, gt. xv to 3ss
Coriandri sativi semina, 9i to 3i
Croci sativi floris stigmata, gr. v to 3ss
syrupus, 31 to ij
tinctura, 3ss to ij
Crotonis elutheriae cortex, £i to 3ss
extractum, gr. x to 3ss
tinctura, 31 to ^ss
Cucumis colocynthidis fructus medulla, gr. iij to viij
extractum compositum, gr. v to 5$s
Cumini cymini semina, 9i to 31
Cupri sub-ucetis, gr. £ to \
ammoniaretum, gr. \ to v
ammoniareti pilulae, No. i
ammoniareti aqua, gt. v to gt. xxx
sulphas, gr. ij to x
Curcumae longae radix, 9i to 31
Daphnes mezerei radicis cortex, gr. i to x
decoctum, ft>i daily
Daturae stramonii herba, gr. i to v
Dauci carotae semina, £i to 31
Delphinii staphisagriae semina, gr. iij to x
Dianthi caryophylli flores, $i to 3i
> syrupus, 31 to ij
Digitalis purpureae folia, gr. ss to iij
infusum, 3 iij to ^i
tinctura, gt. x to xl
Dolichi prurientis pubes leguminis rigida, gr. v to £
Dorsteniae contrayervae radix, 9i to 3ss
pulvis compositus, 9i to ij
Electuarium opiatum, 9i to ij
Eryngii maritimi radix, 3ij to iij
Ferri limatura, gr. iij to gr. x
oxidum nigrum purificatum, ditto
carbonas, ditto
carbonas praecipitatus, ditto
super-carbonatis aqua, ftji daily
sulphas, gr. i to v
et potassae tartris, gr. x to 3ss
et ammoniae murias, gr. iij to xv
muriatis tinctura, gt. x to xx
et ammoniae tinctura, gt. xv to %r
vinum, 3ij to vj
acetati tinctura, gt. x to xxx
Ferulae assae foetidae gummi resina, gr. x to 3SS
lac, ^ss to ^i ss
tinctura 3bS to 3*
pilulae compositae, gr. x te xx
758 Materia Medica.
Fici caric-ae fructus, No. vi, in decoction
Fraxini orni succus concretus (Manna), 5ss toiss
succiconcreti_syrupus, 5i to 5ij
Fumariae officinalis herba, ±'i to 5ij, of the expressed juice
Gentianae luteae radix, gr. x to 9ij
infusum compositum, ±ss to ij
tinctura composita, %i to iij
vinum compositum, 5ss to 5i
extractum, gr. x to 9ij
Geoffraeae inermis cortex, 9i to ij
decoctum, ?i
Glycirrhizae glabrae radix, 3ss to i
extractum, Ji to iij
trochisci, 31 to ij
trochisci cum opio, 31, during the day
Gratiolae officinalis herba, gr. x to 9i
Guaiaci officinalis resina, gr. x to 3ss
tinctura, 3ij to ^ss
tinctura ammoniata, 31 to ij
decoctum compositum, J^ij daily
Haematoxyli Campechiani extractum, 3i to ij
Hellebori nigri radix, gr. x to 3i
extractum, gr. v. to gr. x
tinctura, 3ssto iss
Hellebori fcetidi folia, £i to ij
Hordei distichi decoctum, ^ij to vj
compositum, 5 iij to vj
Hydrargyrum purificatum, ij to iv
cum creta, gr. x to 3ss
Hydrargyri oxidum cinereum, gr. i to gr. v
pilulae, gr. v to xv
oxidum rubrum, gr. ss
sub-sulphas, gr. i to gr. v
s*Ub-murias, gr. i to gr. v
praecipitatus, ditto
acetis, gr. i to vj
murias, gr. \ to \
phosphas, gr. \ to 1
sulphuretum nigrum, 9i to 3i
rubrum, gr. x to 3ss
Hyosciami nigri herba, semen, gr. iij to gr. x
succus spissatus, gr. i to v
tinctura, 9i to 31
Hyperici perforati flores, 9i to 31
Hysopi officinalis herba, 9i to 31
Inulae helenii radix, 9i to 31
Iridis florentinae radix, 9i to 31
Iridis pseudacori radicis succus expressus, gt. lx to lxxx
Isis nobilis (Corallium), gr. x to 31
Juglandis regiae fructus, externally in decocthji
Tuniperi communis baccae, 3SS to i
Posological and Prosodial Table,, 795,9
Juniperi communis oleum volatile, gtt. ij to x
spiritus compositus 3ij to vi
lyciae gummi resina (Olibanum), ^i to ij
sabinae folia, gr. x to 9ij
extractum, gr.x to 3ss
tinctura composita, gt. xxx to 3»
Kino, gr. x to 9i
tinctura, 3i to iij
Lactucae virosae succus spissatus, gr. iij to xv
Lauri qinnamomi cortex, gr. x to3i
aqua destillata, 5i_to iij
spiritus, 3ij to %l
tinctura, %i to 3iij
tinctura composita, 3ss to ij
oleum volatile, gtt. i to iij
Laurus cassia, considerably weaker than the preceding species, in other
respects similar
Lauri camphors, camphora^, gr. iij to 9i
emulsio, 5ss to ij
acidum acetosum, odor analeptic
Lauri nobilis foliae, baccae, gr. x. to 3ss
Lauri sassafras lignum, radix, eorumque cortex, 9i to 5i
oleum volatile, gt. ij to gt. x
Lavandulae spicae florentes, 9i to 3i
spiritus, an analeptic perfume
spiritus compositus, 3ss to ij
oleum volatile,_gt. i to v
Leontodi taraxacteidix, herba, 5i to ij, of the juice
Lilii candidi radix, externally as a poultice
Lini usitatissimi semina, in infusion, 5i to water, ffoi
oleum fixum, ?ss to i; or, in clysters, ziij to vj
Lini cathartici herba, 3i> or an infusion of a handful oj the fresh platlt
Lobeliae syphiliticae radix, ^ss, boiled in f^xij of water to ffeviij; half a
pint twice a-day
Magnesia, gr. x to ^i
Magnesiae carbonas, 9i to 3i
troschisi, 3i to ij
sulphas, tss to 5ij
Malvae sylvestris folia, flores, 3ss to i
Marrubii vulgaris herba, 3ss to i
Mel despumatum, 3ij to 5i in clysters 5iij
acetatum, 3i to ij
Melaleucas leucadendri oleum volatile, gt. i to v
Melissae officinalis herba, gr. x to 9ij
Meloes vesicatorii pulvis, gr. ss to i
tinctura, gt. x to xxx
Menthae viridis herba, gr. x to 3i
aqua, 5i to ij
spiritus, 3ij to ^i
oleum volatile, gt. i to v
Menthae piperitae herba, gr. x to 9ij
760 Materia Medical
Menthae piperita aqua, ^i to ij
spiritus, 3ij to 5i
oleum volatile, gt. i to gt. iij
Menthae pulegii herba, gr. x to 9ij
aqua, ^i to ij
spiritus, 3ij to 5i
oleum, gt. ij to v
Menyanthis trifoliatae herba, 3ss to £i
Mimosae catechu extractum, gr. xv to Jss
electuarium, 9i to 3*
infusum, ^i to iij
tinctura, 3i to iij
Mimosae niloticae gum mi, 3i to ij
emulsio, j^ij daily
mucilago, 5ss
Momordicae elaterii succus spissatus, gr. ss. to gr. vj
Mori nigrae syrupus, 3i to ?ss
Moschus, gr. v to 9i
Moschi tinctura, ^i to ^ss
mistura, 3^s to iss
Murias ammoniae, gr x to 3ss
Murias sodae, 3iij to 5ss, in clysters
Myristicae moschatae fructus nucleus, gr. v ad 3i
oleum volatile, gt. ij to gt. v
spiritus, 3ij ad 5i
nucis involucrum (Macis), gr. x to 9i
involucri oleum expressum, externally
Myroxyli peruiferi balsamura, gr. v to 3ss
tinctura, 3ss to 3i
Myrrha, gr. x to 3ss
Myrrhae tinctura, 3ss to iss
pulvis compositus, gr. xv to 9ij
Myrti pimentae fructus, gr. v to 9i
aqua destillata, 5i to iij
spiritus, 3ij to ^i
oleum volatile, gt. iij to v
Nicotianae tabaci folia, gr. ss to v
vinum, gt. xxx to gt. lxxx
Oleae Europae oleum fixum, 3iij to xi
Oleum animale, gt. x to xl
vini, gt. i to iv
Onisci aselli (Millipedae praeparatae), 31 to ij
Opium, gr. ss. to gr. ij
Opii pilulae, gr. v to §i
tinctura, gt. xx to xl
ammoniata, 3ss to ij
camphorata, 3ss to ij
Origani vulgaris herba, gr. x to 3i
oleum volatile, gt. i to ij
marjoranae herba, 9i to 31
Posological and Prosodial Table. 761
Ostreae edulis testae praeparatae, 3SS to i
Ovis arietis sevum praeparatum, externally
Oxalis acetosellae folia, 5ss to jiss of the juice
conserva, 3ij to ^ss
Paeneae sarcocollae gurnmi resina (Sarcocolla), gr. x to3ss
Panacis quinquefolii radix. 3i to 3*
Papaveris rhceae flores, $i in decoction
syrupus, 31 to iij
Papaveris somniferi syrupus, ^ss to i to adults; 3i to ij to children;
one ounce is supposed to contain one grain ofofiiujii
extractum, gr. i to v
succus spissatus (Opium), gr. ss to gr. ij
Parietariae officinalis herba, gr. x to 3^ or 5i to iij of the juice
Pastinacae opoponacis gummi resina, gr. x to 3ss
Phasiana galli ovorum testae praeparatae, 3ss to i
Physeteris macrocephali sevum (Spermaceti), 3ss to iss
Pimpinellae anisi semina, gr. xv to 3ss
spiritus composiius, 31J to zi
oleum volatile, gt. v to gt. x
Pini balsameae resina liquida (Balsamum Canadense), gt. v. to 3ss:
laricis resina liquida (Terebinthina veneta), 9i to ij, and in clys-.
tersy 3SS to i
Pini sylvestris resina liquida (Terebinthina vulgaris), gt. xv to 9ip,
and in clysters, 5ss to i
resina empyreumaiica (Pix liquida), 9 i to $i
Pini oleum volatile (Oleum terebinthinae) rectificatum, gt. x to 3*
Piperis nigri laccae, gr. v to 9i
cubebae baccae, gr. v to $i
longi fructus, gr. v to 9i
Pistaciae lentisci resina (Mastiche), gr. v to 3ss
terebinthi resina liquida (Terebinthina Chia), 9i to gi
Plumbi acetis, gr. ss to ij
Polygalae senegae radix, 9i to 3ss
senegas decoctum, ?i to ij thrice a day
Pplygoni bistortae radix, gr. xv to 3i
Polypodii filicis maris radix, 3i to ij
Potassae aqua, gt. x to xxx
acetis, 9i to $1
super-carbonatis aqua, ^ vj to fti
sulphuretum, gr. v to xv
tartris, 3i to 3SS
super-tartris, 31 to ^i
sulphas 9i to ^ss
carbonas, gr. v to 3i
Carbonatis aqua, 3SS to 31
nitras, gr. v to5ss
nitratis trochisci, 3* to ij
sulphas cum su'phure, gr. xv to 3ss
Potentillae reptantis radix, 3SS to i
5 D
762 Materia Medica.
Pruni domesticae fructus, ^ij to iij, stewed
spinosae fructus
conserva, 3ij to gss
Pterocarpi draconis resina, gr. x to 9ij
Pulvis aromaticus, gr. v to gr. x
opiatus, gr. v to gr. x
Punicae granati fructus cortex, 9i to %i
floris petaia, 3SS to W-
Quassiae simarubae cortex, 3ss to i; or 31J in decoction.
excelsae lignum, gr. v to 9i; or 5i to ij of an infusion of 3ij
in jfoi water
Quercus roboris cortex, gr. xv to 3SS> or 5* to ij of an infusion of
3ij in J^i water
Quercus cerris gallae, gr. x to 3ss
Rhamni cathartici succus expressus, 3ss to i
syrupus zss to iss
Rhei palmati radix, gr. x to 9ij
infusum, 5ss to iss
pilulae compositae, gr. x to 3ss
tinctura, 3SS to iss; as a stomachic, 31J to 5ss
composita, 5ss to iss
cum aloe, 5ss to i
cum gentiana, 5ss to iss; or 31J to 5ss, as a
stomachic
vinum, 5ss to iss
Rhododendri chrysantni folia, gr. v to x; or an infusion of 3ij in 5 x
of water
Rhi toxicodendri folia, gr. ss to i
Ribis nigri succus spissatus, Iss to i
syrupus, 3i to 5SS
Ricini communis oleum expressum, ^ss to ^i
Rosas Gallicae petaia, 9i to 31
conserva,_^ij to 5ss
infusum, 31 j to vj
syrupus, 3i to ij
mel, 31 to ij
Rosae damascenae petala, 9i to 31
aqua destillata, 5i_to iij
syrupus, 3*j to iss
Rosae caninae (Cynosbatus) conserva, 3ij to vj
Roris marini officinalis summitates, gr. x to 9ij; and in infusion $i
to iss
oleum volatile, gt. ij to gt. v
spiritus
Rubiae tinctorum radix, 9i to 3ss
Rubi idaei syrupus, 3i to 5ss
Rumicis acetosae folia, 5i to 5ij of the juice
Rutae graveolentis herba, gr. xv to 9ij *
extractum, gr. x to 3i
Penological and Prosodial Tabic. 763
Sagapenum, gummi resina, gr. x to 3ss
Salicis fr gilis cortex, 9i to 31
Salviae officinalis folia, gr. xv to 9ij
Sambuci nigri cortex interior, gr. v to 3i
succus spissatus, 5ss to iss
Sapo gr. x to 3ss
Scillae maritimae radix recens, gr. v gr. xv
radix siccata, gr. i to gr. iij
syrupus, 31 to iij
mel, 3ss to ij
oxymel, 3ss to ij
acetum, 3ss to 3iss
conserva, 3ss to i
tinctura, gt. x to xx
pilulae, gr. x to9i
Sinapeos albae semina, ^ss to Zi
oleum fixum, 5ss to i
Sii nodiflori herba, ±ij, or iij of the juice
Sisymbrii nasturtii herba, 5i or ij of the juice
Smilacis sarsaparillae radix, 3'i to 3ss
decoctum,^iv to foss
compositum, ^iv to ffoss
Sodas carbonas, gr. x to 3ss
super-carbonatis aqua ^iv to ffoss
et potassae tartris, 2jvj to 5iss
sulphas, 5ss to iss
phosphas, 5i to iss
murias,3iij to 3SS, in clysters
sub-boras, gr. x to 3ss
Solani dulcamarae stipites, 3$s to 3ii *w infusion
Spartii scoparii summitates, 3i to 3i
extractum, 5ss to i
Spii;eliiC marilandicae radix, 3ss to 9ij
Spiritus setheris sulphuric! compositus, 3ss to iss
nitrosi, 3ss to 31
Spon gia usta, 3ss to i
Stalagmitidis cambogiodis succus spissatus (Gambogia), gr. v to
gr. x
Stanni pulvis et limatura, 3i to ij
Styracis officinalis balsamum, gr. x to 3ss
benzoini balsamum, gr. x to 3ss
tinctura composita, 3ss to i
Succinum preparation, 9i to 5i
Succiiii oleum rectificatum, gt. x to xx
Sulphas aluminae, 9ss to 9i
Sulphur praecipitatum, 3l to iij
sublimatum iotum, 9i to 31
Sulphuris trochisti, 3i to iij
Swieteniae mahagoni cortex, 9i to ij
febrifugae cortex, $i to ij
764 Materia Medica.
Tamarindi indicae fructus, ^ss to iss
infusum cum cassia senna, 5ij to iv
Tanaceti vulgaris herba, 3SS to i
Teucrii maris herba, gr. x to 3ss
scordii herba, 9i to 31
Toluiferae balsami balsamum, gt. xv to 9ij
syrupus, 31 to iij
tinctura, 3ss to ij
Tormentillae erectae radix, §i to ij
Tussilaginis farfarae herba, ^ij to iv of the expressed juice
Ulmi campestris cortex interior, 9 i to 31
decoctum, 5iv to ffoss
Urticae dioicae herba, ?i to ij of the expressed juice
Valerianae officinalis radix, 9i to 31
tinctura, 31J to ^ss
ammoniata, 31 to ij
extractum, gr. x to 9i
Veratri albi radix, gr. v to 9i
tinctura, gt. v to x
Veronicae beccabungae herba, ^ij to iv of the juice daily
Violae odoratae syrupus, 31 to ij
Winterae aromaticae cortex, gr. x to 9i
Zinci oxidum, gr. iij to x
sulphas, gr. vj to 3ss
JV. B. These are in general the doses for adults from twenty to sixty,
but they may be diminished for children, and people past the prime
of life, nearly in the following proportions.
Ages.
Proportionate doses.
Months 2
1
TT
7
-A
14
1
28
~s
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1
4
5
1
3
7
1
2
14
2
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63
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72
77
5
6
100
The practice of administering active fluids by drops has been long
known to be inaccurate; but the extent of the evil has been only
lately ascertained, by the accurate experiments of Mr. Shuttleworth,
surgeon, of Liverpool. Not only do the drops of different fluids from
the same vessel, and of the same fluids from different vessels, differ
much in sizej but it appears that the drops of the same fluid differ.
Penological and Prosodical Table. 765
even to the extent of a third, from different parts of the lip of the
same vessel. The custom of dropping active fluids should, therefore,
be abolished entirely; and, as weighing is too troublesome and diffi-
cult for general use, we must have recourse to small measures,
accurately graduated, in the manner of Lane's drop, measure, and
the grain measure recommended by the Edinburgh college; but we
must not be misled by their names; for they are measures of bulk,
not of drops or of grains.
The following table by Mr. Shuttleworth, shows the weight and
the number of drops in a measured drachm of several active fluids.
One drachm measure of contained of extract
Grains. Drops. Grains.
Distilled water weighed, 60 equal 60
Dr. Fowler's solution of arsenic, 60| 60
White wine, 581 94
Ipecacuanha wine, - - - - 59| 84 2,i
Antimonial wine, - - - 591 84
Rectified spirits of wine, - - 511 15 11
Proof spirit, 55^ 140
Laudanum, 591 134 2J
Tincture of foxglove, - - - 58 144 4i
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TABLE OF NAMES CHANGED
IN THE LAST EDITION
OF THE
LONDON PHARMACOPOEIA.
Names changed.
New Names.
A.
A CETUM scilliticum
jEthiops mineralis
Aqua aluminosa bateana
calcis simplex
cinnamomi simplex
spirituosa
fortis
hordeata
juniperi composita
menthae piperitidis simplex
Bpirituosa
vulgaris simplex
spirituosa
nucis moschatae
piperis Jamaicensis
pulegii simplex
spirituosa
raphani composita
rosaruin damascenarum
sapphirina
seminurn anethi
anisi composita
carui
vitriolica camphorata
Argenti vivi purificalio
\xungiae porcinae curatio
5H
Acetum scillae
Hydrargyrus cum sulphure
Aqua aluminis composita
calcis
cinnamomi
Spiritus cinnamomi
Acidum nitrosum dilutum
Decoctum hordei
Spiritus juniperi compositus
Aqua menthae piperitidis
Spiritus menthae piperitidis
Aqua menthae sativae
Spiritus menthae sativae
nuclei fructus myristicae
sive nucis moschatae
Aqua pimento
pulegii
Spiritus pulegii
raphani compositus
Aqua rosae
cupri ammoniati
anethi
Spiritus anisi compositus
carui
Aqua zinci vitriolati cum cam-
phora
Hydrargyri purificatio
Adipis suillae praeparatio
794
Materia Medica,
Mimes changed.
B.
Balsamum sulphuris barbadense
simplex
traumaticum
New Names.
Petroleum sulphuratum
Oleum sulphuratum
Tinctura benzoes composita
C.
Calx antimonii
Cataplasma e cymino
Causticum mtimoniale
commune fortius
lunare
Ceratum album
citrinum
epuJoticum
Chalybis rubigo praeparata
Cinn ibaris faci'uia
Coagulum aluminosum
Confectio carcliaca
Cornu cervi calcinatio
Antimonium calcinatum
Cataplasma cumini
Antimonium muriatum
Calx cum kali puro
Argentum nitratum
Ceratum spermatis ceti
resinae flavae
lapidis calaminaris
Ferri rubigo
Hydrargyrus sulphuratus ruber
Cataplasma aluminis
Confectio aromatica
Cornu cervi ustio
D.
Decoctum album
commune pro clystere
corticis peruviani
pectorale
E.
Electuarium lenitivum
Elixir aloes
myrrhae compositum
paregoricum
Emplastrum ex ammoniaco cum
mercuric
Emplastrum attrahens
cephalicum
commune
adhaesivum
commune cum gum-
mi
commune cum mer-
curio '
e cymino
roborans
e sapone
stomachicum
vesicatorium
Emulsio communis
Decoctum cornu cervi
pro enemate
cinchonae sive corticis
peruviani
hordei compositum
Electuarium sennae
Tinctura aloes composita
sabinae composita
opii camphorata
Emplastrum ammoniaci cum hy-
drargyro
Emplastrum cerae compositum
picis burgundicae
compositum
lithargyri
cum resina
lithargyri composi-
tum
lithargyri cum hy-
drargyro
cumini
thuris compositum
saponis
ladani compositum
canthariclis
Lac amygdala:
Table of Names changed. 795
Arames changed. New Names.
fcxtractum catharticum Extractum colocynthidis compo-
situm
ligni campechensis haematoxyli sive Hgni
campechiani
corticis peruviani cinchonae sive corticis
peruviani
theb'aicum sive opium Opium purificatum
colatum
F.
Flores benzoini
martiales
Fotus communis
Hiera picra
H.
I
Infusum amarum simplex
sennae communis
Julepum e camphora
e creta
e moscho
L.
Linimentum album
saponaceum
volatile
Lixivium saponarium
tartari
M.
Mel aegyptiacum
rosaceum
Mercurius calcinatus
corrosivus sublimatus
ruber
dulcis sublimatus
emeticus flavus
praecipitatus albus
N.
Nitrum vitriolatum
O.
Oleum petrolei barbadeifsis
terebinthinae aethereum
Opium cola'um
Oxymel scilliticum
simplex
Flores benzo'es
Ferrum ammoniacale
Decoctum pro fomento
Pulvis aloes cum canella
Infusum gentianae composifum
senuae tartarisatum
Mistura camphorata
cretacea
moschata
Unguentum spermatis Ceti
Linimentum saponis
ammoniac
Aqua kali puri
kali praepararti
Oxymel aeruginis
Mel rosae
Hydrargyrus calcinatus
muriatus
nitratus ruber
Calomelas
Hydrargyrus vitriolatirs
Calx hydrargyri alba
Kali vitriolatum
Oleum petrolei
terebinthinae rectificatuiu
Opium purificatum
Oxymel scillae
Mel acetatum
796
Materia Medica.
Names changed.
New Names.
P.
Philonium Londinense
Pilulae aromatic ae
ecphracticae
gummosae
rufi
Pulvis e bolo compositus
cum opio
e cerussa compositus
e chelis cancrorum com-
positus
sternutatorius
R.
Rob baccarum sambuci
Confectio opiata
Pulvis aloeiicus cum guaiaco
aloes cum terro
Pilulae Galbani compositae
aloes cum myrrha
Pulvis cretae compositus
cum opi
cerussae
cancri chelarum composi-
tus
asari compositus
Succus baccae sambuci spissatus
S.
Saccharum saturni
Sal absinthii
catharticus amarus
glauberi
diureticus
martis
tartari
vitrioli
volatilis salis ammoniaci
Species aromaticae
Spiritus cornu cervi
lavendulae simplex
nitri dulcis
glauberi
salis ammoniaci
salis ammoniaci dulcis
salis marini glauberi
vinosus camphoratus
vitrioli dulcis
volatilis aromaticus
foetidus
Sued scorbutici
Syrupus ex althaea
e corticibus aurantiorum
balsamicus
e meconio
rosarum solutivus
Cerussa acetata
Kali praeparatum
Magnesia vihiolata
Natron vitriolatum
Kali acetatum
Ferrum vitriolatum
Kali praeparatum
Zincum vitriolatum
Ammonia praeparata
Pulvis aromaticus
Liquor volatilis cornu cervi
Spiritus lavendulae
aetheris nitrosi
Acidum nitrosum
Aqua ammonia
Spiritus ammoniae
Acidum muriaticum
Spiritus camphoratus
aetheris vitriolici
ammoniae compositus
foetidus
Succus cochleariae compositus
Syrupus althaeae
corticis aurantii
•tolutanus
papaveris albi
rosae
T.
Tabellae cardialgicae
Tartarum emeticum
^olubile
Trochisci cretae
Antimonium tartarisatum
Kali tartarisatufm
Table of Names changed. 797
Mimes changed. Ne<w Names.
Tartarum vitriolatum
Tinctura amara
aromatica
corticis peruviani sim-
plex
corticis peruviani volati-
lis
foelida
florum martialium
guaiucina volatilis u
japonica
martis in spiritu salis *
melampodii
rhabarbari spirituosa
vinosa
rosarum
sacra
stomachica
thebaica
Valeriana volatilis
Trochisci bechici albi
nigri
V.
Vinum antimoniale
chalybeatum
Unguentum album
basilicum flavum
caeruleum fortius
mitius
e gummi elemi
e mercurio prsecipi-
tato
saturninum
simplex
;id vesicatoria
Kali vitriolatum
Tinctura gentianae composita
cinnamomi composita
cinchonae sive corticis
peruviani
cinchonae, sive corticis
peruviani ammoniata
assae foetidae
ferri ammoniacalis
guaiaci
catechu
ferri muriati
hellebori nigri
rhabarbari
Vinum rhabarbari
Infusum rosae
Vinum aloes
Tinctura cardamomi composita
opii
Valerianae ammoniata
Trochisci amyli
glycyrrhizae
Vinum antimonii
ferri
Unguentum cerae
resinae flavae
hydrargyri fortius
mitius
elemi compositum
calcis hydrargyri al-
bae
cerussae acetatae
adipis suillae
cantharidis
TABLE OF NAMES CHANGED,
AND OF SOME SYNONYMES,
N THE LAST EDITION OF THE
EDINBURGH PHARMACOPOEIA,
Names changed.
New Mimes.
A.
Absinthium
Acetosa
Acetum vini
Acidum vitriolicum
vitrioli aromaticum
Jirugo
jEther vitriolicus
jEthiops mineralis
Agaricus
Alkali causticum
fixum fossile
vegetabile
volatile
Alumen
ustum
Ammonia muriata
pr separata
Amygdala dulcis
Angelica sativa
Anisum
Antimonium
calcareo-phosphora-
tum
mu datum
tartarisatum
Aqua ammoniae
acetatae
causticse
cupri vitriolati composita,
vel aqua styptica
lixiviae causticae
zinci vitriolati
Arabicum gum mi
Argentum nitratum
Arsenicum
Artemisia absinthium
Rumex acetosa
Acidum acetosum
sulphuricum
aromaticum
Sub-Acetis cupri
JEther sulphuricus
Sulphu return hydrargyri nigrum
Boletus igniarius
Potassa
Carbonas sodse
potassae impurus
ammoniae
Sulphas aluminae
exsiccatus
Murias ammoniae
Carbonas ammoniae
Amygdalus communis
Angelica Archangelica
Pimpinella anisum
Sulphu return antimonii
Oxidum antimonii cum phosphate
calcis
Murias antimonii
Tartris antimonii
Aqua carbonutis ammoniae
acetitis ammoniae
ammoniae
Solutio sulphatis cupri composita
Aqua potassae
Solutio sulphatis zinci
Gummi mimosae niloticae
Nitras argenti
Oxidum arsenic]
Table of Names changed.
799
New Names.
Assa foetid a
Aurantium Hispalense
B.
Balsamum Canadense
Copaibae
Gileadense
Peruvianum
Tolutanum
traumaticum
Bardana
Barilla
Barytes
Belladonna
Benzoinum
Bistorta
Borax
Butyrura antimonii
C.
Cajeputa
Calamus aromaticus
Calomelas
Calx viva
Cancrorum lapilli
Cantharis
Cardamomum minus
Carduus benedictus
Carica
Carvi
Caryophylla aromatica
rubra
Cascarilla
Cassia fistularis
lignca
Catechu
Causticum commune acerrimum
mitius
lunare
Centaurium minus
Cerussa
acetata
Chamaemelum
Cicuta
Cinnabaris factitia
Cinara hortensis
Cineres clavellati
Cinnamomum
Coccinella
Colocynthis
Gummi-resina ferulae assae fceiidx
Citrus aurantium
Resina pini balsameae
copaiferae officinalis
amyridis Gileadensis
Balsamum myroxyli peruifen
toluiferae balsami
Tinctura benzoes composita
Arctium lappa
Carbonas sodae impurus
barytae
Atropa belladonna
Balsamum styracis benzoes
Polygonum bistorta
Boras sodae
Murias antimonii
Melaleuca leueadendron
Acorus calamus
Sub-Murias hydrargyri
Calx
Carbonas calcis praeparatus
Meloe vesicatorius
Amomum repens
Centaurea benedicta
Fructus ficus caricae
Carum carvi
Caryophyllus aromaticus
Dianthus caryophyllus
Croton eleutheria
Cassia fistula
Laurus cassia
Extractum mimosae catechu
Potassa
cum calce
Nitras argenti
Gentiana centaurium
Oxidum plumbi album
Acetis plumbi
Anthemis nobilis
Coniuni maculatum
Sulphuretum hydrargyri rubrum
Cinara scolymus
Carbonas potassae impurus
Laurus cinnamomum
Coccus cacti
Cucumis colocynthis
800
Materia Medica.
Karnes changed.
Confectio japonica
Contrayerva
Cortex peruvianus
Creta alba
Crocus antimonii >
metallorum 3
Cry stalli tartari
Cucumis agrestis
Cuprum ammoniacum
vitriolatum
Cynosbatos
D.
Daucus silvestris
Decoctum chamsemeli vel com-
mune
lignorum
Dens leonis
New Names.
Electuarium catechu
Dorstenia contrayerva
Cortex cinchonae officinalis
Carbonas calcis
Oxidum antimonii cum sulphure
per nitratem potassse
Super- Tartris potassae
Fructus recens momordicjc elate-
rii
Ammoniaretum cupri
Sulphas cupri
Fructus recens rosae caninae
Daucus carota
Decoctum anthemidis nobilis
guaiaci officinalis com-
positum
Leontodon taraxacum
Elaterium
Electuarium lenitivum
Elixir paregoricum
sacrum
salutis
stomachicum
Emplastrum adhaesivum
cereum
lithargyri vel com-
mune
lithargyri composi-
turn vel roborans
vesicatorium
Emulsio communis
Succus spissatus momordicae ela-
terii
Electuarium cassiae sennae
Tinctura opii ammoniata
rhei cum aloe
cassiae sennae composita
gentianae composita
Emplastrum resinosum
simplex
oxidi plumbi semi vi-
trei
oxidi ferri rubri
melo'es vesicatorii
Emulsio amygdalae communis
Ferri rubigo
squamae purificatae
praeparatae
Ferrum ammoniatum
vitriolatum
ustum
Filix mas
Flores martiales
sulphuris
zinci
Foeniculum dulce
Carbonas ferri
Ferri oxidum nigrum purificat.
prxparat
Murias ammoniae et ferri
Sulphas ferri
Oxidum ferri rubrum
Polypodium filix mas
Murias ammoniae et ferri
Sulphur sublimatum
Oxidum zinci
Anethum foeniculum
Table of Karnes changed. 80 1
Names changed. New Names.
G.
Galbanum
Genista
Granata malus
H.
Helleborus albus
Hepar sulphuris
Hippocastanum
Hydrargyrus acetatus
muriatus corrosivus
mitis
praecipita-
tus
nitratus ruber
praecipitat. cinereus
sulphuratus niger
vitriolatus flavus
I.
Infusum amarum
rosarum
Gummi-resina bubonis galbani
Spartium scoparium
Punic a granatum
Veratrum album
Sulphuretum potassae
iEsculus hippocastanum
Acetis hydrargyri
Murias hydrargyri
Sub-Murias hydrargyri
praecipitatus
Oxidum hydrargyri rubrum per
acidum nitricum
Oxidum hydrargyri cinereum
Sulphuretum hydrargyri nigrum
Sub-Sulphas hydrargyri flavus
Infusum gcntianae luteae compo-
situm
rosae Gallicae
Jalapa
Convolvulus jalapa
Lapis calaminaris
Lavendula
Laudanum liquidum
Lignum Campechense
Limon
Linimentum anodynum vel opia-
tum
aquae calcis
saponaceum
volatile
Lithargyrus
Lixivia acetata
e tartaro
purificata
tartarisata
vitriolata
sulphurea
Lixivium causticum
Carbonas zinci impurus
Lavandula spica •
Tinctura opii
Lignum Haematoxyli Campechi-
ani
Fructus citri medicae
Tinctura saponis cum opio
Oleum lini cum calce
Tinctura saponis
Oleum ammoniatum
Oxidum plumbi semivitreum
Acetis potassse
Carbonas potassae purissimus
Carbonas potassae
Tartris potassae
Sulphas potassae
cum sulphure
Aqua potassae
5l
802
Materia Medica,
Arames changed.
New Names.
M.
Magnesia alba
usta
vitriolata
Majorana
Manna
Mastiche
Melampodium
Mercurius
praecipitatus ruber
sublimatus corrosivu3
Mezereum
Minium
Muria
Carbonas magnesiae
Magnesia
Sulphas magncsiae
Origanum majorana
Succus concretus fraxini orni
Resina pistachiae lentisci
Helleborus niger
Hydrargyrus
Oxidum hydrargyri rubrum
Murias hydrargyri
Daphne mezereum
Oxidum plumbi rubrum
Murias sodae
N.
Nasturtium aquaticum
Nit rum
Nux moschata
O.
Olea stillatitia
Oleum succini rectificatum
terebinthinae rectificatum
Sisymbrium nasturtium
Nitras potassae
Nucleus fructus myristicae mos-
chatae
Olea volatilia
Oleum succini purissimum
terebinthinae volatile pu-
rissimum
Olibanum
€ummi resina juniperi lyciae
Oliva
Olea Europaea
P.
Palma
Cocos butyracea
Petroleum Barbadense
Bitumen petroleum
Petroselinum
Apium petroselinum
Pilulae cupri
Pilulae ammoniareti cupri
thebaicae
opiatae
Pimento vel piper Jamaicensis
Myrtus pimenta
Piper Indicum
Capsicum annuum
Pix Burgundica
Resina pini abietis
Plumbum ustum
Oxidum plumbi semivitreum
Potio cretacea
Potio carbonatis calcis
Prunus Gallica
Prunus domestica
Pulegium
Mentha pulegium
Pulvis antimonialis
Oxidum antimonii cum phosphate
calcis
cretaceus
Pulvis carbonatis calcis composi-
tus
ipecacuanhae et opii
Doveri
Pyrethrum
Anthemis pyrethrum
Table of Names changed. 803
Aames changed. New Names ,
Raphanus rusticanus
Resina alba
Rhabarbarum
Rosa pallida
rubra
Rubigo ferri praeparata
S.
Sabina
Saccharum saturni
Sal alkalinus fixus fossilis
vegetabilis
ammoniacus-
catharticus amarus
cornu cervi
Glauberi
marinus Hispanus
polychrestus
Rupellensis
succini
tartari
Sanguis draconis
Santalum rubrum
Santonicum
Sarsaparilla
Sassafras
Scammonium
Seneka
Senna
Serpentaria Virginiana
Simarouba
Sinapi album
Soda
muriata
phosphorata
tartarisata
vitriolata
Spiritus aetheris vitriolici
ammonia
aromaticus
foetidus
cornu cervi
Mindereri
vinosus rectificatus
tenuior
camphoratus
Cochlearia armoracia
Resina pini
Rheum palmatum
Rosa centifolia
Gallica
Carbonas ferri praeparatus
Juniperus sabina
Acetis plumbi
Carbonas sodae
potass as
Murias ammoniae
Sulphas magnesiae
Carbonas ammoniae
Sulphas sodae
Murias sodae
Sulphas potassae cum sulphure
Tartris potassae et sodae
Acidum succinicum
Carbonas potassae purissimus
Resina pterocarpi draconis
Pterocarpus santalinus
Artemisia santonicum
Smilax sarsaparilla
Laurus sassafras
Gummi-resina convolvuli scam«
moniae
Polygula senega
Cassia senna
Aristolochia serpentaria
Quassia simaruba
Sinapis alba
Carbonas sodae
Murias sodae
Phosphas sodae
Tartris potassae et sodae
Sulphas sodae
iEther sulphuricus cum alcohole
Alcohol ammoniatum
aromaticum
foetidum
Aqua carbonatis ammoniae
acetitis ammoniae
Alcohol
dilutum
Tinctura camphorae
804
Materia Medica.
Names changed.
Staphisagria
Stramonium
Sulphur antimonii praecipitat. £
auratum antimonii J
Sy rupus balsamicus ve/Tolutanus
papaveris albi
New Names.
Delphinium staphisagria
Datura stramonium
Sulphuretum antimonii praecipi-
tatum
Syrupus toluiferae balsami
papaveris somniferi
Taraxacum
Leontodon taraxacum
Tartarus crudus
Super-Tartris potassae impurus
Tartar! crystalli
potassae
Tartarum solubile
Tartris potassae
vitriolatum
Sulphas potassae
Tartarus emeticus
Tartris antimonii
Terebinthina Veneta
Resina pini laricis
Terra Japonica
Extractum mimosae catechu
Tinctura aloes vitriolata
Tinctura aloes aetherea
aromatica
lauricinnamomi compo-
sita
muriatis ferri
ferri
cantharidum
meloes vesicatorii
Japonica
mimosae catechu
rhei amara
rhei cum gentiana
Tolutana
toluiferae balsami
sacra
Vinum aloes socotorinae
Toxicodendron
Rhus toxicodendron
Tragacantha
Gummi astragali tragacanthae
Trifolium
Menyanthes trifoliata
Trochisci Arabici
Trochisci gummosi
Turpethum minerale
Sub-Sulphas hydrargyri flavus
Tutia
Oxidum zinci impurum
U.
Unguentum album vel cerussas
Unguentum oxidi plumbi albi
aeruginis
sub-Acetitis cupri
coeruleum
hydrargyri
citrinum
nitratis hydrargyri
epispasticum fortius
pulveris meloes ve-
sicatorii
mitius
infusi meloes vesica-
torii
satuminum
acetitis plumbi
tutiae
oxidi zinci impuri
Uva passa
Fructus siccatus vitis viniferi
ursi
Arbutus uva ursi
Valeriana sylvestris
Vinum amarum
Valeriana officinalis
Vinum gentianae compositum
Table of Names changed, &c.
Names changed. New Names.
805
Vinum antimoniale
Vitriolum album
coeruleum
viride
Vitrum antimonii
ceratum
W.
Winteranus cortex
Vinum tartritis antimonii
Sulphas zinci
cupri
ferri
Oxidum antimonii cum sulphure
vitrificatum
antimonii vitrificatum
cum cera
Cortex Winterae aromatic se
Zincum ustum
vitriolatum
Zingiber
Oxidum zinci
Sulphas zinci
Amomum zingiber
Note. — (Edin.) In these Indexes of changed names, fearing lest
they might become too long, and satisfied if every possible error
might be avoided, we have only introduced those simples of which
we have changed the principal and common names, called in natural
history Generic Names; such as Anethum foeniculum for Fceniculum,
Anthemis nobilis for Chamaemelum, Gentiana Centaureum for Cen-
taurium minus; but we have omitted all those simples whose former
generic names remain, and to which we have only added their speci-
fic or trivial names, such as Digitalis purpurea, Rheum palmatum,
Papaver somniferum.
For the same reason, we have thought it sufficient to introduce into
these Indexes the changed name of every simple, having generally
omitted the titles of the preparations and compositions which are
formed of them. Thus, we have mentioned that Laurus Cinnamomum
is to be used in place of Cinnamomum; but we have omitted the
Aqua, Spiritus, and Tinctura Lauri Cinnamomi, trusting that their
new names cannot be a source of doubt or error to any person.
ENGLISH INDEX
Page
Page
ABSORPTION
43
Alkali, vegetable
caustic
556
Abstraction
39
mild
567
Acetated ceruse
551
volatile
167
kali
567
mild
167
vegetable alkali
567
Alkalies
152
quicksilver
400
Alkanet
185
Acetate of iron
380
Alloys
43
Acetite of lead
551
Almond
180
of potass
567
emulsion,
or milk
469
of quicksilver
400
oil
502
Acetous acid, distilled
127
Aloes
156
impure
125
Barbadoes
157
strolfc
Acetous fermentation
129
hepatic
156
52
socotorine
156
Acidification
48
cabaline
157
Acids
121
Alum
646
solubility of
83
burnt
648
with simple bases
124
curd
283
with compound bases
125
purified
647
ternary
125
root
394
quaternary
125
Amalgams
43
Aconite
134
Amber
637
Acrid principle
243
prepared
267
Adipocere
529
Ammonia
153,
Adopters
37
prepared
167
^thiops mineral
415
Ammoniac
175
Affinity
73
Ammoniacal copper
336
tables of
73
iron
i
378
Agaric, female
258
Ammoniac, gum
175
Albumen
526
purified
176
Alcohol 138, 142
Ammoniaret of copper
336
diluted
149
Ammoniated alcohol
165
Alder, black
574
alcohol aromatic
695
Alkali
152
Ammoniated copper
336
fixed mineral
614
oil
511
fossil, purified
616
Angelica
187
mild
616
tree
226
808
English Index.
Page
Page
Angustura
188
Barley
394
Animal oil
510
Barras
540
Anise
538
Baryta
250
Anodyne liquor of Hoffman 144
Bay-tree
442
Antimonial powder
207
Beams
15
Antimoniated tartar
209
Bears-foot
392
sulphur,
brown 200
Beaver
281
orange 202
Beech-drops
514
Antimony
191
Beluga
133
calcined by nitre 197
Benzoates
634
prepared
197
Benzoic acid
634
Apparatus
21
Benzoin
633
Areometer
16
Birch
256
Aromatic ammoniat. alcohol 695
Bistort
554
confection
756
Bitter apple
328
powder
580
infusion
223
sulphuric ether with
principle
328
alcohol
693
sweet
620
sulphuric acid
693
Bitumen
256
Arrow root, Indian
454
Blazing-star
732
Arsenic
234
Blessed thistle
284
acid
236
Blistering-fly
460
Arsenious acid
235, 239
Bole, French
258
Arseniate of potass
239
Boracic acid
636
of kali
238
Borates
636
Arseniates
236
Borax
636
Arsenite of potass
239
Broad-leaved moorwort
185
Arsenites
236
Brooklime
732
Artichoke
338
Broom
623
Asarabacca
243
rape, Virginia
514
Asphaltum
257
Bryony
259
Aspin
556
Buckthorn, purging
592
Assa foetida
380
Burdock
227
purified
380
Butterfly weed
245
Atmospheric air
498
Burgundy pitch
542
Avoirdupois weight
15, 56
Butternut-walnut
430
Azotic gas
497
C.
B.
Balaustine
586
Cabbage-tree bark
386
Balm
460
Cajeput
459
Balsam
250
Calamine
743
of Canada
538
prepared
744
of Copaiva
323
Calcined antimony
212
ofGilead
184
magnesia
450
of Peru
486
quicksilver
411
of Tolu
698
Calcined zinc
742
Barberry
255
Calico-tree
433
Barbadoes tar
256
Calomel
404
Barilla
614
Calx of antimony, precipitat
. 207
Barks
13
of quicksilver, white
408
English Index.
809
Page
Page
Calx of zinc
742
Centaury, smaller
293
Camphor
439
Cerated glass of antimony
200
liniment, compound
694
Cerate of acetat. litharge, comp. 709
Camphorated acetous acid
132
calamine
708
emulsion or mixture
470
of cantharides
708
liniment
694
epulotic
708
oil
512
of impure carbon, of zinc 708
spirit
jfcCamphorates
674
of soap
719
441
of spermaceti
719
Camphoric acid
440
of yellow resin
709
Caneila
271
simple
710
Cancer-root
514
Cerusse
549
Caraway
277
Chamomile
189
Carbon
274-
Chalk
265
Carbonate
275
potion or mixture
471
of ammonia
167
powder
581
of baryta
250
precipitated
268
of iron
376
prepared
267
precipitated
376
Charcoal
273
of lime
265
Charring
32
prepared
267
Chemical operations
29
of magnesia
451
signs
96
of potass
559
explanation of table of 98
pure
560
Cherry-tree, wild
576
impure
558
Chesnut, horse
138
of soda
616
Chian turpentine
547
dried
617
China, pride of
459
impure
614
Cinchona bark
294
of zinc, impure
743
Caribaean
302
prepared
744
Cinchonin
296
Carbonates
275
Cinnabar, factitious
416
Carbonic acid
275
Cinnamon *
436
acid gas
276
Cinquefoil, common
574
oxide gas
27 5
Circulation
34, 43
Carbonous oxide
274
Cistus, Cretan
303
Cardamom, lesser
179
Citrates
308
Carrot, wild
341
Citric acid
308
Cascarilla
327
Clarification
21
Cassia bark
438
Clematis
309
pods
278
Clove gillyflower
350
Castor
281
Clove-tree
359
oil
597
Clyster, purging
472
Cataplasm of cumin
283
Coagulation
40
of alum
283
Coal incombustible
274
of mustard
284
Cochineal
310
Catechu
466
Cockspur pepper
272
Caustic, common, strongest
556
Cohobation
39
common, milder
564
Collection of simples
\i
lunar
229
Coiomba
314
Cayenne pepper
272
Colophony
5K
543
810
English Index.
Page
Page
Coloquintida
328
Cumin
329
Colouring fermentation
52
Currant, black
597
Colt's foot
244. 705
red
597
Combination
40
Custard apple
189
of caloric
94
Cusseena
278
Combustion
48
Compounds
99
D.
of oxygen
123
Damson, bitter
589
Concentration
33
Dandelion
44^
Condensation
34
Decantation
19
Confections
355
Decoction 42
1. 341
Congelation
40
of barley
346
Conserves
317
compound
347
Conserve of arum
318
of cabbage tree bark
343
of orange peel
318
of chamomile
342
of hips
318
of cinchona
343
of red rose-buds
318
of elm
349
of sea wormwood
318
Foxglove
345
of sloes
319
of guaiacum, compound
346
of squills
319
of hartshorn
344
of wood-sorrel
318
of hellebore, white
346
Contrayerva*
353
Iceland moss
347
Copaiva tree
323
of marshmallows
342
Copper
330
of mezereon
345
Copperas
373
of Peruvian bark
343
Coral, red
429
of sarsaparilla
348
prepared
267
compound
348
Coriander
324
of seneka
348
Corn rose
519
for fomentation
343
Corrosive sublimate
402
for glysters
342
Cowitch
353
Decomposition
44
Crab
270
Decrepitation
33
Crab's claws
271
Deflagration
48
prepared
267
Deliquescence
42
eyes
267
Dephlegmation
39
prepared
267
Despumation
21
stones
267
Devil's bit
732
prepared
267
Diamond
224
Craw-fish
270
Digestion -
43
Cream of tartar
655
Division, mechanical
16
Cresses, water
612
Dill
186
Crocus
325
Disoxygenizement
5©
of antimony
197
Dissolution
44
Crowfoot, celery-leaved
592
Distillation
34
Crucibles
30
Distilled waters
219
Crystallization
45
Diuretic salt
567
Crystals of tartar
630. 737
Dogwood^
324
Cubebs
546
Dover's powder
582
Cucumber root
454
Dragon's blood
578
wild
472
Drying of herbs, and flowers
13
English Index.
811
Page
Page
E.
Extract of gentian
365
Edulcoration
42
ofjalap 335
. 366
Effervescence
44
of lead
552
Efflorescence
42
of liquorice 365
. 389
Egg
526
of logwood
365
shells, prepared
267
of oak bark
366
Elaterium 472. 64
of opium
366
Elder, common
606
purified
368
rob
643
of Peruvian bark
366
Elecampane
427
hard
366
Electuaries
355
soft
366
Electuary, aromatic
356
with the resin
367
of cassia
356
resinous, of red P. bark
367
of catechu
357
of rue
365
compound
357
of savin
366
lenitive
356
of senna
365
of opium
358
of spruce
544
of scammony
357
of white poppy
365
of senna
357
of wild valerian, resinous
367
thebaic
358
Extraction
42
Elemi
182, 183
Extractive
158
Eleutheria
327
Elixir of health
675
F.
Elm
705
Fat
136
Elutriation
18
Fennel, sweet
186
Empyreumatic oils
508
Fennel water
225
Emulsions
469
Fenugreek
699
Emulsion, almond
469
Fermentation
51
Arabic
469
Fern, male
555
camphorated
470
sweet
448
of assa fcetida
471
Fetid enema
472
of gum ammoniac
470
Fibrin
700
Epsom salt
451
Fig
382
Eryngo
359
Filings of iron, purified
375
water
359
Filtration
19
Ether
142
Fir
538
Evergreen Cassine
278
Fixed oils
500
Evaporation
32
Flax, common
447
Expression
20
purging
448
Exsiccation
39
Flour
700
of simples
13
Flowers
13
Extracts
361
of benzoin
634
Extract of aloes
366
of sulphur, washed
650
of black hellebore
365
of zinc
742
of broom tops
366
Fluids, specific gravity of
67
of cascarilla, resinous
367
Flux -root
245
of catechu
466
Fluxes
29
of chamomile
365
Fly, Spanish
460
of cinchona
366
Fowl, dunghill
526
of coloquintida, compound 368
Fox-glove
350
812
English Index,
Page
Page
Frankincense, common
539
Hartshorn, burnt
292
Freezing* mixtures
72
Heat
25
Fruits
14
Hellebore, black
392
Fuel
25
white
731
Fumitory, common
384
Hemlock
315
Furnaces
27
Hepatized ammonia
174
Fusion
29
Henbane, black
420
watery
33
Herbs
13
Hips
599
G.
Hog
137
Galbanum
260
Hog's lard
137
purified
260
prepared
707
Galipot
540
Honey
454
Gullates
591
acetated
456
Gallic acid
591
clarified
456
Galls
590
of squills
458
Galvanic circles
87
of roses
457
Gamboge
629
Hop
394
Garget
529
Holly, ground
587
Garlic
153
Horehound, white
454
Gaseous oxide of carbon
275
Horse chesnut
138
Gases, specific gravities of
67
radish
312
Gelatin
133
Hydrogen
213
Gentian
386
Hydroguret of nitrogen
161
Geranium, spotted
387
Hydroguretted phosphorus
527
Germander, water
669
sulphur
649
German Leopard's bane
233
Hydrometer, Baume's
66
Ginger
177
Hydrosulphuret of ammonia
172
wild
244
Hyper-oxygenized muriates
482
Ginseng
518
muriatic acid
482
Glass of antimony
200
Hyssop
422
Glauber's salt
620
hedge
389
Golden rod
622
Goats-rue, Virginia
385
I.
Granulation
18
Iceland moss
445
Grapes
737
Incineration
32
Groats
249
Incombustible coal
274
Ground holly
587
Indian turnip
243
Guaiac
390
Inflammation
48
Gum, sweet
448
Infusion 42
!. 422
Arabic
467
of catechu
424
tragacanth
245
of cinchona
423
troches
702
of foxglove
423
resins
156
of gentian, compound
423
H.
of mint, compound
424
of Peruvian bark
223
Hamilton's apparatus
95
of rhubarb .
425
Hartshorn
291
of roses
425
English Index.
813
Page
Page
Infusion of senna, simple
426
Lavender
444
tartarized
426
Lead
548
of tamarinds with senna
426
Leather wood
353
Inspissation
33
Leaves
13
Ipecacuan 285
i. 624
Leeches
748
bastard
701
Lemon
306
Iron
370
Lenitive electuary
356
filings
372
Leopard's bane, German
233
purified
376
Lettuce, wild
435
scales of
373
garden
436
purified
376
Levigation
18
wire
372
Ley, caustic
561
Isinglass
133
mild 564, 5
J.
Lily, white
447
Lime
262
James-town weed
340
water
263
Jalap
321
compound
265
Japonic confection
357
with pure kali 564
, 565
infusion
424
Liniment, anodyne
690
Jelly
133
of ammonia
511
Juices, expressed
639
stronger
511
of scurvy grass com.
641
simple
708
inspissated
641
Linseed
447
Juice of black currant
643
oil
502
of deadly nightshade
642
with lime
511
of elder
643
Liquefaction
29
of hemlock
642
Licjuidambar, maple-leaved
448
of henbane
642
Liquor of acetated vol. alkali
171
of lemon
643
of acetat. litharge, comp.
553
of poisonous lettuce
642
of ammoniated copper
333
of wild cucumber
643
of caustic volatile alkali
163
of wolfsbane
642
of mildest veget. alkali
619
Juniper
430
sulphuret of antimony
174
of volatile alkali
168
K.
volatile, of hartshorn
169
Kali, pure
556
Liquorice
388
caustic with lime
565
List of substances in foreign
prepared
559
pharmacopoeias
101
Kermes mineral
200
of animals
112
Kino
433
Linnaean genera of Plants
113
of D. Jussieu's system
nr
L.
of mineral substances
120
Ladanum
303
Litharge
550
Ladies' smock
277
Liver of sulphur
571
Larch
539
Lixiviation
42
Lard
137
Logwood
392
prepared
707
Lobelia
449
Laudanum, liquid
686
Lunar caustic
229
Laurel, broad leaved
433
Lutes
23
814
English Index.
Page
Page
M.
Muriated antimony-
204
Mace
483
quicksilver corrosive
402
Maceration
43
mild
404
Mackaw tree
313
precipitated
406
Madder
600
sublimated
402
Magnesia
450
Muriatic acid
479
alba
451
gas
481
calcined
450
Musk
473
Mahogany-
656
artificial
510
Mallow
453
mixture
471
Mandrake
553
Mustard
611
Manna
383
Mutton suet
136
Marble
265
prepared
707
Marjoram, sweet
514
Myrrh
487
wild
514
Marshmallow
160
N.
Marsh-trefoil
464
Naphtha
257
Martial flowers
378
Natron, prepared
616
Mastich
547
Nettle
730
Syrian herb
668
Nightshade, American
529
Materia medica
9
deadly
247
May apple
553
Nitrates
495
Measures
15,56
Nitrate
491
Mechanical operations of
of potass
491
pharmacy
16
of silver
229
Mercury
395
Nitrated quicksilver, red
412
Metals
464
silver
229
Mezereon
339
Nitre
491
Millipeds, prepared
513
purified
492
Mineral waters
214
Nitric acid
495
Mixture, mechanical
21
oxide gas
498
Mixtures, freezing
72
Nitrous acid
493
Melasses
604
diluted
494
Monk's hood
134
ethereal liquor
149
Moose wood
353
oxide gas
498
Mountain tea
385
Nitrous aether
146
Mucilage of gum Arabic
476
Nitrous gas
498
tragacanth 476
of quince seeds . 476
of starch 475
Mulberry 473
Muriates 477
Muriate 477
of ammonia 1 6 1
of do. and iron 378
of antimony 204
of baryta 252
of quicksilver 402
©f soda 477
dried 479
Nit. muriat. oxide of antimony 206
Nitrites 493
Nitrogen - 497
Nooth's apparatus 94
Nutgalls 590
Nutmeg 483
o.
Oak
589
Jerusalem
293
oriental
590
Oats
249
Oil of almonds
502
English Index.
815
Page
-
Page
Oil of amber
638
Ointmt. of epispastic,strongei
r 722
rectified
509
milder
722
of anise
504
of grey oxide of quick-
of cajeput
459
silver
724
of caraway
504
of hog's lard
720
of castor
502
of infusion of cantharides 722
of cloves
359
mercurial, milder
724
of fennel-seeds
504
stronger
723
flowers
504
of nitrate of quicksilver
725
of hartshorn
169
milder
726
rectified
510
of nitrous acid
720
of juniper berries
504
of oxide of zinc
727
of lavender
504
impure
726
of lemon-peel
307
of powder of Spanish flies 722
of linseed
502
of quicksilver
723
of mace
485
ammoniated sub-muriate
of mustard
502
of quicksilver
729
of nutmeg
485
of red oxide of quicksilver 725
of olives
501
resinous
727
of orange-peel
305
Ointment, saturnine
719
of origanum
504
savine
728
of pennyroyal
504
of Spanish flies
721
of peppermint
504
of spermaceti
721
of petroleum
509
of sub-acetite tf copper
728
of pimento
504
of sulphur
729
of rosemary
504
of tar
727
of rue
504
of tutty
726
of sassafras
504
of wax
721
of savin
504
of white calx of quicksilver 725
of spearmint
504
of white hellebore
723
of turpentine
505
of white oxide of lead
726
rectified
505
of yellow resin
727
of vitriol
652
simple
720
of wine
144
white
726
animal
510
yellow
725
fixed
510
Olibanum
431
rock
256
Olive
499
volatile
503
Onion
155
empyreumatic
509
Operations, chemical
29
Oily ethereal liquor
144
mechanical
14
preparations
511
Opiate powder
584
Ointments
719
Opium
519
Ointment of acetated ceruse
719
purified
368
of acetite of lead
719
Opoponax
525
black pepper
727
Orange
304
blue
723
Orange-peel water
224
of elemi, compound
723
Orris, Florentine
428
elder
728
Ox
136
816
English Index.
Page
Oxalic acid 5 1 5
Oxalates 5 1 5
Oxide 515
Oxide of antimony, with phos-
phate of lime 207
of antimony, with sulph.
by nitrate of potass 197
of do. with do. vitrified 199
of do. vitrified with wax 200
of arsenic 235
of hydrogen 213
of iron, black, purified 376
red 377
of lead, white 549
red 550
semi vitrified 550
of quicksilver, ash-co-
loured 409
red, by nitric acid 4 1 2
of sulphur 624
of zinc 742
impure 74 1
of zinc, impure, prep. 743
Oxidizement * 48
Oxygen 121
Oxygenized muriates 48 1
muriatic acid 480
gas 482
Oxygenizement 48, 122
Oxymel, simple 456
of meadow saffron 457
squills 458
verdigris 458
Oxymuriatic alkaline water 482
water 483
Oyster 515
shells prepared 267
Paint, Indian
606
Palm oil
313
Palma christi
597
Panaiy fermentation
52
Papaw
189
Paregoric elixir
687, 697
Pareira brava
303
Parsley
212
Pearl ashes
558
barley
394
Page
Pellitory of Spain 190
Peppermint 463
Pennyroyal 463
Pennsylvania mountain laurel 596
Pepper, black 545
Cayenne 272
cockspur 272
Jamaica 488
long 546
Peroxide of sulphur 649
Persimmon 352
Peruvian bark 294
pale 295
yellow 301
red 301
Petroleum 256
Pharmaceutical operations 12
Pharmacy, elements of 1 1
Pharmaceutical calendar 100
Philadelphia flea-bane 358
Physic, Indian 624
Phosphates 528
Phosphate of lime 292
Phosphate of mercury 418
Phosphate of soda 617
Phosphites 528
Phosphoric acid 528
Phosphorus acid 528
Phosphorus 527
Phosphurets 528
Phosphuretted nitrogen gas 527
Pills 530
of aloes 531
compound 531
with assafoetida 532
with colocynth 532
with ginger 531
with myrrh 533
of arsenic with opium 533
of ammoniaret of copper 534
of assa foetida, compound 533
of galbanum, compound 534
antimonial compound 537
antihysteric 7 1 1
aromatic 7 1 1
of mercury 534
opium 535
Plummer's 537
squill 537
English Index.
817
Page
Pills of rhubarb, compound 536
storax 536
Thebaic 535
Pimento 488
Pink, Carolina 623
ground 6 1 1
Pippsiseva 587
Pitch, Burgundy 538
mineral 257
Plasters 7 1 1
adhesive 7 1 7
blistering 7 1 5
calefacient 7 1 2
common 716
cumin 712
gum 713
of ladanum, compound 7 1 2
litharge plaster 716
litharge, compound 714
do. with resin 7 1 7
do. Quicksilver 7 '4
resinous 717
saponaceous 7 1 8
soap 7 1 8
of wax 7 1 8
compound 712
of assa foetida 7 1 1
of Burg, pitch, comp. 717
of frankincense, comp. 7 1 9
of gum. ammon. with
quicksilver 711
of litharge, compound 7 1 4
of quicksilver 713
of red oxide of iron 7 1 6
of semivitrified oxide of
lead 716
simple 718
of Spanish flies 7 1 5
compound 715
Plates, explanation of 89
Pleurisy root 245
Plum .575
Plumbago 275. 370
Pneumatic apparatus 38
Poke 529
Poison berry tree 459
oak 596
Polypody 55 5
Pomegranate 5 86
Poplar 448
Page
Poppy, red
519
white
519
Potass
556
with lime
564
Potato-fly
462
wild
322
Potashes
558
Powders
579
Powder of aloes, with canella 579
guaiac 580
iron 580
aromatic 581
of asarabacca, comp. 581
of carbonate of lime, com. 581
of chalk, compound 581
with opium, comp. 581
of ceruse, compound 582
of contrayerva, comp. 582
of ipecacuan and opium 582
compound 582
of jalap, compound 583
of myrrh, compound 583
of quicksilver, ash-co-
loured 409
of scammony, comp. 584
with aloes 584
with calomel 585
of senna, compound 585
of sulphate of alumina 585
of tin 631
of tragacanth, compound 586
of yellow bladderwort 629
Precipitation 44
Preservation of simples 12
Prickly ash 226
Proof spirit 151
Prunes 575
Prussiates 182
Prussic acid 181
Puccoon 606
Pulps, extraction of 644
Pulverization 17
Putrefactive fermentation 52
Quassia
558
Quicklime
262
Quicksilver
395
purified
399
with chalk
410
5 L *
818
English Index.
I
"age
Page
Quicksilver, purified with
Salt of tartar
560
magnesia
411
Salts, solubility of
83
with sulphur
415
specific gravity of
64
Quince
587
Sanicle, American
394
R.
Sapphire water
333
Raisins
737
Sarcocol
518
Raspberry
601
Sarsaparilla
613
Rattlesnake root
553
Sassafras
443
Receiver
37
Saunders wood, red
577
Rectification
39
Savin
432
Reduction
50
Scales
15
of ounce measures to cu-
of iron purified
373
bical inches
57
Scammony
314
Red precipitate
412
Scurvy-grass, garden
311
willow
325
Sea salt
477
Resins
542
dried
. 479
Retorts
37
Sebacic acid
137
Rhododendron
595
Sebates
137
Rhubarb
593
Seeds
14
Rochclle salt
621
Seneka
553
Rock oil
256
Senna
279
Roots
12"
Separation, mechanical
18
Rose, damask
598
Septfoil
699
dog
599
Sheep
136
red
598
Sifting
18
Rosemary-
600
Signs, chemical
96
Rosin, white
542
Silver
228
yellow
542
leaf
228
Rue
601
Simples, collection of
12
Rust of iron
376
Simarouba
589
S.
Sinapism
284
Skerrit, creeping-
613
Saccharine fermentation
51
Slaters
513
Sacred tincture
733
Sloe
576
elixir
688
Snake -root, Virginian
232
Saffron, common or English
325
Snake-weed
544
meadow
313
Soaps
607
Sagapenum
605
Soda
153. 614
Sage
605
carbonate of
616
Indian
361
impure
614
St. John's wort, common
421
Solids, specific gravity of
63
Sal ammoniac
161
Solubility, table of
83
polychrest
570
Soluble tartar
573
Salifiable bases, solubility of
83
Solution
4.
Salt of amber
638
of acetite of zinc
747
purified
638
of mildest vegetab. alkali 56*
of benzoin
634
of muriate of baryta
255
of hartshorn
169
of muriate of lime
268
of steel
373
of sulphate of zinc
746
Solution of sulphate of copper,
compound
of super-carbonate of
potass
Sorrel
wood
Soot of wood
South-sea tea
Southern wood
Spanish fly
Spar, ponderous
Spearmint
Specific gravity
Spermaceti
Spirit of ammonia
aromatic 695
fetid 627
succinated 696
of aniseed, compound 626
ofcarraway 625
of cinnamon 625
of horse-radish, comp. 627
of juniper, compound 627
of lavender 626
compound 684
ofmindererus 171
of nitrous ether 149
of nutmeg 625
of pennyroyal 625
of peppermint 625
of pimento 625
of rosemary 626
of spearmint 625
of vitriolic ether 143
compound 144
of volatile alkali 165
aromatic 695
fetid 627
of wine 1 5 1
rectified 138
Spirits, distilled 624
Sponge 628
burnt 628
Spontaneous evaporation 42
Sprouts 1 3
Spurge 361
Spurge-laurel 339
Squill 609
dried 610
English Index.
819
Page
Page
per,
Squill, prepared
610
335
Starch
180
of wheat
700
566
Stave sacre
349
601
Steel
370
515
Sterlet
133
384
Still
34
278
Stomachic elixir
681
240
Storax
632
460
purified
633
251
Sturgeon
133
462
Styptic powder
585
15. 63
water
335
528
Sub-acetite of copper
332
165
Sub-borate of soda
636
Sub-muriate of quicksilver 404
precipitated 406
of do. and ammonia 409
Sub-nitrate of quicksilver 4 1 3
Sub-sulphate of do. yellow 413
Sub-vitriolated quicksilver 413
Sublimation 39
Succinates 639
Succinic acid 639
Suet 136
prepared 707
Sugar 602
cane 602
double refined 603
raw 603
of lead 55 1
Sulphate 645
of alumina, dried 648
of baryta 251
of copper 334
of iron 373
dried 375
of magnesia 45 1
of potass 569
with sulphur 570
of soda 620
of zinc 744
Sulphites 652
Sulphur 648
brown antimoniated 200
of antimony, precipitated 202
precipitated 65 1
sublimed 649
sublimed, washed 650
820
Sulphuretted kali
oil
petroleum
vegetable alkc
quicksilver, b
r
nitrogen gas
hydrogen gas
phosphorus 527
Sulphurets 649
Sulphuret of antimony 192
precipitated 202
prepared 197
of iron 173
kali 573
of potass 571
of quicksilver, black 4 1 5
Sulphuric acid 652
diluted 654
aromatic 693
ether ^ 142
with*alcohol 143
do. aromatic 693
Sulphurous acid gas 652
Super-sulphate of alumina and
potass 646
Super-tartrate of potass 655
impure 655
Sweet flag 135
Sweet spirit of nitre 149
vitriol 143
Swietenia, febrifuge 657
Syrup of acetous acid 658
of balsam of Tolu 665
of black currants 660
of buckthorn 664
of clove July flowers 659
ofcolchicum 659
of garlic 659
of ginger 659
of lemon juice 658
of manna 662
of marshmallows 659
of mulberries 664
of opium 663
of orange-peel 658
of poppies, red 663
white 663
of raspberries 660
English Index.
Page
571
512
Syrup
of roses, pale
red
Page
664
664
513
of saffron
662
Li 571
ack 415
of squills
of Tolu
665
665
:d 416
649
of vinegar
of violets
658
666
649
simple
658
T.
Tables of simple affinities 73
of therm, deg. of ch. phen. 69
of freezing mixtures 72
of decomposition 76.
of galvanic circles 87
of weights and measures 56
of specific gravities 63
of solubilities 83,85
of absorption of gases 86
of proportions of mercu-"")
ry, antimony and opi- I
um, in their respec- \
tive preparations J
of incompatible salts 77
of saturation 77
of composition 79
of precipitates 8 1
of temperatures 84
of effervescence 86
of deliquescence 86
of electrical systems 88
of chemical signs 98
of synonimes of medicine 767
of old and new names of
medicines 793. 798
of specific gravit. of mix-
tures of alcohol and
water 152
of specific gravities of dif-
ferent substances 65
posological and prosodial 753
Tallow 136
prepared 707
Tamarind 667
Tannin 594
Tansy . 668
Tar 544
Tar-water 545
English
Index.
821
Page
*
Page
Tar-water, Barbadoes
256
Tincture of galbanum
681
mineral
256
of galls
681
Tartar
737
of ginger
692
emetic
209
of gentian, compound
681
Tartarized antimony
209
of guaiac
682
iron
379
ammoniat. or vol
. 697
kali
573
of hellebore, black
682
natron
621
white
691
vegetable alkali 573
Tartaric acid 655
Tartrates 655
Tartrite of antimony 209
of potass 573
of potass and soda 62 1
Thebaic electuary 358
tincture 686
Thermometers 67
Thistle, blessed 284
Thorn-apple 340
Tin 631
Tincture 669
of acetated iron 680
with alcohol 678
of aloes 67 1
ethereal 692
compound 67 1
with myrrh 671
acetate of zinc 747
of ammoniacal iron 680
angustura 672
£ of assa foetida 673
of balsam of Peru 674
Hfbalsam of ^f& 691
of benzoin, compound 674
of camphor 674
of cantharides 685
of cardamom 672
compound 672
6f cascarilla 675
of castor 676
compound 696
of catechu 685
of cinchona 676
compound 677
ammoniated 697
of cinnamon 683
compound 684
ofcolomba 677
of foxglove 678
of henbane 683
of jalap 677
of kino 683
of lavender, compound 684
of muriate of iron 678
of musk 686
of myrrh 686
of opium • 686
camphorated 687
ammoniated 697
of orange-peel 673
quassia 687
of Peruvian bark 676
compound 677
of rhubarb 688
bitter 689
compound 688
with aloes 688
with gentian 689
of roses 425
of saffron 678
of savin, compound 689
of senna 426, 675
tartarised 426
of snake-root 673
of soap 690
with opium 690
of socotorine aloes 671
of Spanish flies 685
of squills 690
tamarinds and senna 426
of valerian 427, 691
ammoniated 689
Tobacco 498
Tooth-ach tree 226
Tragacanth 245
Trituration 18
Troches 702
of carbonate of lime 702
of chalk 702
of liquorice- 702
822
English Index.
Page
Page
Troches compound
703
Vitriol, green
373
with opium 703
white
744
of starch
703
Vitriolated fossil alkali
617
of magnesia
704
iron
373
of nitrate of potass
704
kali
569
of sulphur
704
natron
620
Troy weight
15. 56
quicksilver
413
Turmeric
338. 606
tartar
569
Turpentines
540
vegetable alkali
569
Turpentine chian
547
zinc
745
oil of
539
Vitriolic acid
652
baked
542
diluted
654
Turpeth mineral
413
ether
142
Tutty
741
ethereal liquor
143
prepared
743
Volatile alkali
161
Tulip tree
448
liniment
511
oils
503
U.
empyreumatic
508
Urates
563
Urea
563
W.
Uric acid
563
Wake-robin
242
Ustulation
32
Walnut
429
white
430
V.
Water
213
of alum compound
746
Valerian, wild
734
distilled 219. 225
Vaporization
31
of acetatated ammonia
171
Verdegris
333
litharge
552
prepared
333
of acetite of ammonia
171
Vessels
21
of aerated iron
377
Verjuice
737
of ammonia, caustic
163
Vine
737
of ammoniated copper
333
wild
259
of carbon, of ammon.
168
Vinegar
125
of cassia
225
distilled
127
of cinnamon
225
medicated
131
of dill seed
225
aromatic
131
of fennel
225
of meadow saffron
131
of fixed air
266
of squills
131
of lemon-peel
225
Vinous fermentation
52
of orange-peel
224
Violet, March
736
of pennyroyal
225
Virginia winterberry
575
of peppermint
225
snake-root
232
of potass
561
goatsrue
385
of prepared kali
565
Vitrification
29
of pimento
225
Vitrified antimony
199
of pure ammonia
168
Vitrif. oxide of ant. with
sulph. 99
of pupe kali
561
with
wax 200
of roses
225
Vitriol, blue
334
styptic
335
English Index.
823
Page
Water of spearmint 225
of super-carbon, of potass 567
of soda 617
of vit. zinc with camph. 746
Water flag 428
Waterdock 749
Watery fusion 33
Wax 289
yellow • 289
white 290
Weights 15.56
Wheat 200
Whortleberry 226
Wild succory 294
Willow, crack 605
red 325
Wine 738
of aloes 733
of an timoniated tartar 735
bitter 734
chalybeate 733
of gentian, compound 734
ofipecacuan 734
of iron 733
ironated 733
of rhubarb 735
of socotorine aloes 733
Page
Wine of tartarized antimony 735
of tartrite of antimony 735
of tobacco 734
Wines, medicated 732
Winter's bark 739
Wolfsbane 134
Wood-soot 384
Wood, white 448
Woods 1 3
Wood-sorrel 515
Worm-seed 241.293
Wormwood, common 242
sea 240
Woulfe's apparatus 37. 93
Y.
Yau pon — Yopon
Yellow bladderwort
Yellow -root
parsley-leaved
278
748
419
740
Z.
Zedoary, long
round
Zinc
178
432
740
LATIN INDEX
A.
Page
Page
ABROTANUM
240
Acorus calamus
135
Absinthium maritimum
240
Adeps
136
vulgare
242
bovis tauri
136
Aceta medicata
130
ovis arietis
136
Acetas ferri
380
suis scrofae
137
kali
567
suillus
137
Acetosa pratensis
601
praeparatus
707
Acetosella
515
jErugo
333
Acetis hydrargyri
400
praeparata
333
plumbi
541
jEsculus hippocastanum
138
potassae
567
pavia
138
Acetum
125
vetrosus
146
aromaticum
131
jEther sulphur! cus
142
colchici
131
cum alcohole
143
destillatum
127
aromat.
693
scillae maritimae
131
vitriolicus
142
scilliticum
131
iEthiops mineralis
415
vini
125
Agaricus chirurgorum
258
Acidum acetosum
125
Alcohol 138
!. 142
camphoratum
131
ammoniatum
165
citricum
308
aromaticum
695
destillatum
127
foetidum
627
forte
129
dilutum
151
impurum
125
Alkali fossile mite
616
benzoicum
634
vitriolatum
620
muriaticum
479
vegetabile acetatum
567
nitricum
495
causticum
556
nitrosum
493
mite
559
dilutum
494
sulphuratum
571
succini
638
tartarisatum
573
sulphuricum
653
vitriolatum
569
aromaticum
693
volatile
161
dilutum
654
mite
167
vitriolicum
653
Allium cepa
155
dilutum
654
sativum
153
Accipenser
133
Aloe perfoiiata
156
Aconitum napellus
134
Althaea officinalis
160
neomontanum
134
Alumen
646
Latin Index.
825
Page
Page
Alumen, purificatum
647
Aqua cinnamomi
225
ustum
648
citri aurantii
224
Ammonia
161
citri medicae
225
praeparata
167
cupri ammoniati
333
Ammoniaretum cupri
336
destillata
224
Amomum cardamomum
179
ferri aerati
377
repens
179
foeniculi dulcis
225
zedoaria
178
kali praeparati
565
zingiber
177
puri
561
Ammoniacum
175
lauri cassiae
225
purificatum
176
cinnamomi
225
Amygdalae
180
lythargyri acetati
552
Amygdalus communis
180
composita
553
Amylum
182
menthae piperitae
225
Amyris elemifera
183
pulegii
225
Zeytanica
184
sativae
225
Gileadensis
184
myrti pimentae
225
Anchusa tinctoria
185
pimento
225
Andromeda mariana
185
potassae
561
Anethum graveolens
186
pulegii
225
foeniculum
186
rosae centifoliae
225
Angelica archangelica
187
sappharina
333
Angustura
188
styptica
334
Anisum
588
super-carbonatis potassae
566
Annona triloba
189
sodae
617
Anthemis nobilis
189
zinci vitr. cum camph.
746
pyrethrum
190
Aquae destillatae
219
Antimonium
191
Aralia spinosa
226
calcinatum
212
nudicaulis
226
muriatum
204
Arbutus uva ursi
226
praeparatum
197
Arctium lappa
227
tartarisatum
209
Argentum
228
vitriticatum
199
nitratum
229
Apis mellifica
455
Aristolochia serpentaria
232
Apium petroselinum
212
sipho
232
Aqua
213
Arnica montana
233
aeris fixi
266
Arsenicum
234
acetitis ammoniae
171
Arsenias kali
238
alcalina oxymuriatica
482
puri liquidae
545
oxymuriatica
483
Artemisia abrotanum
240
aluminis composita
746
absinthium
242
ammoniae 163. 168
maritima
240
acetatae
171
santonica
24 J
caustic ae
163
Arum maculatum
242
purae
163
tryphylium
243
anethi
225
Assa foetida
245
calcis
262
Asarum Europaeum
243
composita
265
canadense
244
carbonatis ammoniae
168
Asclepias decumbens
5 M
245
826
Latin Index.
Page
Page
Asphaltuin
257
Cancer astacus
270
Astragalus tragacantha
245
pagiirus
271
Atropa belladonna
247
Canella alba
271
Aurantium Hispalense
304
Cantharides
460
Avena sativa
249
Cantharis vittata
462
Capsicum annuum
272
R.
Carbo ligni
273
Balaustia
586
Carbonas
275
Balsamum
250
ammoniac
167
Canadense
538
barytae
250
Copaiva -
323
calcis
265
v Gileadense
184
prseparatus
267
Peruvianum
486
ferri
376
myroxyli Peruiferi
486
praecipitatus
376
styracis benzoini
633
magnesiae
450
officinalis
632
plumbi
549
Toluiferae balsami
698
potassae
559
Tolutanum
698
impurus
558
traumaticum
674
purissimus
560
Bardana
227
sodae
616
Barilla
614
siccatum
617
Baryta
250
impurus
614
Beccabunga
732
zinci impurus
743
Belladonna
247
praeparatus
744
Benzoinum
633
Cardamine pratensis
277
Berberis vulgaris
255
Cardamomum minus
179
Betula alba
256
Carduus benedictus
284
Bistorta
554
Carica
382
Bitumen petroleum
256
Carpobalsamum
184
Boletus igniarius
258
Carum carui
277
Bolus Gallicus
258
Carui
277
Boras sodae
636
Caryophylla aromatica
359
Borax
636
Caryophyllum rubrum
350
Bos taurus
136
Cascarilla
327
Bryonia alba
259
Cassena
278
Bubon galbanum
260
Cassia lignea
4.^8
fistula
278
C.
■-•
marilandica
281
Cajeputa
459
senna
279
Calamus aromaticus
135
Castor fiber
281
Calculi cancrorum
270
Castoreum
281
Calomelas
404
Cataplasmata
282
Calx
282
Cataplasma aluminis
283
cum kali puro
564
cumini
283
hydrargyri alba
408
sinapeos
284
stibii praecipitata
207
Catechu
466
viva
262
Causticum com. acerrimum
556
zinci
742
mitius
564
Camphora
439
lunare
229
t
Causticum mitius
Centaurea benedicta
Centaureum minus
Cepa
Cephaelis ipecacuanha
Cera flava
alba
Cerata
Ceratum cantharidis
carbonatis zinci impuri
epuloticum
lapidis calaminaris
lithargyri acetati comp.
resinae flavae
saponis
simplex
spermatis ceti
Cerussa
acetata
Cervus elaphus
Chamaemelum
Chelae cancrorum
praeparatae
Chenopodium anthelminticum 293
Chironia angularis
centaurium
Cicuta
Cinara hortensis
scolymus
Cinchona Caribaea
officinalis
Cineres clavelh.ti
Cinnabaris fucutia
Cinnamomum
Gissampelos pareira
Cistus Creticus
Citrus aurantium
medica
Clemalis crispa
viorna
Cleome dodecandra
Coaguluin aluminosum
Coccinella
Coccus cacti
Cochlearia armoracia
officinalis
Cocos butyracea
Colchicum autumnale
Colocynthia
Latin Index.
827
Page
Page
564
Colomba
314
284
Confectio aromatica
356
293
Japonica
357
155
opiata
358
285
Conium maculatum
315
289
Conserva
317
290
absinthii maritimi
318
7 8
acetosellae
318
708
ari
318
708
citri aurantii
318
708
aurantii Hispalensis
318
708
cynosbati
318
. 709
lujulae
318
709
pruni sylvestris
319
710
rosae
318
710
caninae
318
710
rubrae
318
549
scillae
319
551
Contrayerva
352
291
Convolvulus panduratus
322
189
jalapa
321
270
scammonia
319
l 267
Copaifera officinalis
im 293
Corallium rubrum
429
294
Coriandrum sativum
324
293
Cornu cervi
291
315
cervinum ustum
292
338
Cortex angusturae
188
338
Peruvianus
294
302
Cremor tartari
655
294
Ciocus antimonii
197
558
sativus
•325
416
Croton eleutheria
327
436
Creta
265
303
prsecipitata
268
303
praeparata
267
304
Crystalli tartari
655
306
Cubeba
546
309
Cornus florida
324
309
sericea
325
309
Cucumis agrestis
472
283
colocynthis
328
310
Cuminum cyminum
329
310
Cuprum
330
312
ammoniacum
337
311
ammoniatum
337
313
vitriolatum
334
313 Curcuma
338
328
longa
338
828 Latin Index.
Page
:
Page
Cy.clonia malus
'587
Electuarium compositum
357
Cynara scolyraus
338
lenitivum
356
Cyniphis nidus
590
opiatum
358
Cynosbatus
599
sennae
356
D.
scammonii
357
Daphne mezereum
339
Thebaicum
358
Datura stramonium
340
Elemi
183
Daucus carota
341
Elixir paregoricutn 687
. 697
sylvestris
341
- sacrum
688
Decocta
341
saiutis
675
Decoctum althaeae officinalis
341
stomachicum
681
anthemidis nobilis *
341
vitrioli
671
chamaemeli
342
lichensis islandici
347
cinchonas officinalis
343
Emplastra
711
commune
341
Emplastrum adhaesivum
717
cornu cervi
345
ammoniaci cum hydrarg
.711
corticis Peruviani
343
antihystericum
711
daphnes mezerei
345
aromaticum
711
digitalis
345
assae foetidae
71i
Geoffraese inermis
345
calefaciens
712
guaiaci officinalis comp.
346
cantharidis
715
hellebori albi
346
cerae
672
hordei distichi
346
compositum
712
compositum
347
cereum
718
lichensis Islandici
347
commune
716
lignorum
346
cumini
712
polygalae senegae
348
gummosum
713
pro enemate
342
hydrargyri
713
pro fom§nto
sarsaparftlae
343
ladani compositum
713
34S
lithargyri
716
compositum
349
compositum
714
smilacis sarsaparillae
348
cum hydrargyro
714
ulmi
349
cum resina
717
Delphinium staph is agria
349
meloes vesicatorii
715
Dianthus caryophyllus
350
compositum
715
Digitalis purpurea
350
oxidi ferri rubri
716
Diospyros Virginiana
352
plumbi semivitrei
716
Dirca palustris
353
picis Burgundicae
717
Dolichos pruriens
353
compositum
717
Dorstenia contrajerva
353
resinosum
717
Dulcamara
622
roborans
716
Dracontium pertusum
354
saponis
718
simplex
718
E.
thuris compositum
719
Elaterium
472
vesicatorium
715
Electuaria
355
Emulsio amygdalae communis 469
Electuarium aromaticum
356
Arabica
469
cassiae fistulas
356
camphorata
470
sennae
356
Enema catharticum
472
catechu
357
foetidum
472
Latin Index.
829
Page
Page
Enula campana
427
Ferufa assa fcetida
380
Erigeron Philadelphicum
358
Ficus carica
382
Eryngium maritinium
359
Filix mas
555
aquaticum
359
Flores benzoes
634
Eugenia caryophyllata
359
martiales
378
Eupatorium perfoliatum
361
sulphuris loti
650
Euphorbia ipecaoiianha
Extracta
361
zinci
742
361
Fceniculum dulce
187
Extractum aloes
366
Foenum Graecum
699
anthemidis nobilis
365
Frasera Caroliniensis
383
cascarillae
367
Fraxinus ornus
383
cassiae sennae
365
Fucus vesiculosis
748
chamaemeli
365
Fuligo ligni combusti
384
cinchonae
366
Fumaria officinalis
384
officinalis
367
colocynthidis comp.
368
G.
convolvuli jalapae
367
corticis Peruviani
366
Gaultheria procumbens
385
durum
366
Galbanum
260
molle
366
Galega Virginiana
385
cum resina
367
Gallse
590
rubri re si no s
367
Gambogia
629
genistae
366
gutta
629
gentianae luteae
365
Garcinia gambogia
629
glycyrrhizae glabrae 365
1,389
Genista
623
gratiola
389
Gentiana lulea
386
haematoxyli Campech.
365
centaureum
293
hellebori nigri
365
Geoffraea inermis
386
jalapae
366
Geranium maculatum
387
jalapii
367
Ginseng
518
mimosae catechu
466
Glycyrrhiza glabra
388
opii
366
Gran at um
586
papaveris albi
365
Gratiola officinalis
389
pini
544
Guaiacum officinale
390
quercus
366
Gummi Arabicum
467
rutae graveolentis
365
astragali tragacanthae
245
sabinae
366
mimosae niloticae
467
saturni
552
tragacantha
245
sennae
365
resina aloes perfoliatae
156
Valerianae sylvestris resin
i. 367
ammoniaci
175
bubonis galbani
260
F.
convolv. scammon.
319
Feeula
643
ferulae assae fcetidae
380
Ferri limatura purificatae
375
gambogiae
629
oxidum nigrum
376
guaiaci officinalis
390
Ferrum
370
juniperi lyciae
431
ammoniacale
378
kino
433
tartarisatum
379
myrrhae
487
vitriolatum
373
sagapeni
604
830
Latin Index.
Page
Page
H.
Infusum mimosae catechu
424
rhei palmati
425
Haematoxylon Campechen.
392
rosae Gallicae
425
Helleboraster
393
sennae simplex
426
Helleborus foetidus
393
tartarisatum
426
Albus
731
tamarindi lndici cum cas-
niger
392
sia senna
426
Hepar sulphuris
571
Valerianae
427
Heuchera Americana
394
Inula helenium
427
Hippocastanum
138
Ipecacuanha
285
Hinido medicinalis
748
Iris Florentina
428
Hordeum distichon
394
pseudacorus
428
Humulus lupulus
394
Isis nobilis
429
Hydrargyrum
395
J.
acetatum
400
Jalapa
321
calcinatum 4
H,412
Juglans regia
429
cum creta
410
cinerea
430
cum magnesia
411
Juniperus communis
430
cum sulphure
415
lycia
431
muriatum
402
sabina
433-
corrosivum
402
mite
406
K.
praecipitatum
406
mite sublimat.
404
Kalmia latifolia
433
nitratum rub.
412
Kaempferia rotunda
432
phosphoratum
416
Kali acetatum
567
purificatum
399
cupri ammoniati
333
sub-nitratum
412
praeparatum
554
sub-vitriolatum
413
purum
556
sulphuratum nigrum
415
sulphuratum
571
rubrum
416
tartarisatum
573
vitriolatum
413
vitriolatum
569
Hydrastis canadensis
4!9
Kermes mineralis
200
Hydro-sulphuretum ammoniae 1 72
Kino
433
Hyosciamus niger
420
L.
Hypericum perforatum
421
bacciferum
629
Lac ammoniaci
470
Hyssopus officinalis
422
amygdalae
469
assae fcetidae
470
I.
Lactuca virosa
435
Ichthyocolla
133
sativa
436
Ilex vomitosia
278
Ladanum
303
Tnfusum amarum
223
Lapilli cancrorum
267
cinchonae officinalis
423
L ipis caLtminaris
743
corticis Peruviani
423
praeparatus
744
digitalis purpureae
423
Laudanum liquiaum
686
gentianae comp.
423
Luuius Ccimphora
439
Japonicum
424
cassia
43S
menthae compositum
424
cinnamomum
436
Latin Index.
831
Page
Page
Laurus nobilis
442
Magnesia usta
450
sassafras
443
vitriolata
451
Lavandula spica
444
Mahagoni
656
Leontodon taraxacum
444
Majorana
514
Lichen Islanclicus
445
Malva sylvestris
453
Liiium candidum
447
Manna
383
Limaturae ferri
372
Maranta aurandinacea
454
purificatae
375
Marrubium vulgare
454
Limon
306
Maium Syriacum
669
Linimentura ammoniae
511
Maatiche
547
fortius
571
Medeola Virginiana
454
anodynum
690
Mel
454
camphorae compositum
694
acetatum
456
camphoratum
694
despumatum
456
causticum cum calce
565
rosae
457
saponaceum
690
scillse
458
saponis compositum
690
Melaleuca leucadendron
459
simplex
708
Me lam podium
393
volatile
511
Melia azedarach
459
Linum catharticum
448
Melissa officinalis
460
usitatissimum
447
Meloe vesicatorius
460
Liriodendron tulipifera
448
Mentha piperita
463
Liquidambar asplenifolium
448
pulegium
463
styraciflua
448
sativa
462
Liquor aethereus nitrosus
149
viridis
462
oleosus
144
Menyanthes trifoliata
464
vitriolicus
143
Metalla
464
alkali vegetabiiis mitis
566
Mercurius praecipitatus ruber 412
volatilis
168
sublimatus corrosivus
402
acetati
171
phosphoratus
418
caustici
163
Mezereon
339
cupri am'roniati
o <r> o
Millepedae
573
Hoffmanni anodynus
144
praeparatse
513
lithargyri acetati
552
Mimosa catechu
466
compositus
553
Nilotica
467
sulphureti ammonia
174
Minium
550
sulphurati kali
573
Mistura camphorata
470
volatilis cornu cervK
168
ere lace a
471
Lithargyrus
550
moschata
469
Lixivium causticum
561
Momordica elaterium
472
mite
565
Morus nigra
473
Lobelia syphilitica
449
Moschus
473
Lujula
515
artificialis
5i0
Lupulus
394
moschiferus
473
Lytta vesicatoria
460
Mucilago amyli
475
vittata
462
Arabici gummi
476
M.
gummi tragacanthae
475
Macis
484
mimosae Niloticae
476
Magnesia
450
seminum cydonii mali
476
alba
451
Murias
477
832
Latin Index.
Murias ammoniae
et ferri
antimonii
barytae
hydrargyri
sodae
exsiccatus
Myristica moschata
Myroxylon Peruiferum
Myrrha
Myrtus pimento
N.
Naphtha
Nasturtium aquaticum
Natron praeparatum
tartarisatum
vitriolatum
Nicotiana tabacum
Nitras
argenti
potassae
Nitrogen
Nitrum
purificatum
Nux moschata
O.
Oculi cancrorum
prseparati
Olea Europaea
destillata essent. sive
volatilia
fixa
volatilia
empyreumatica
Oleum animale
ammoniatum
amygdalae communis
cajeputae
camphoratum
coci butyraceae
cornu cervi
rectificatum
lauri nobilis
lini cum cake
usitatissimi
macis
oleae Europaeae
Page
160
378
204
252
402
477
479
483
486
487
488
257
612
616
621
620
489
491
229
491
497
492
492
483
267
267
499
503
500
503
508
510
511
502
459
512
313
169
510
442
511
447
485
499
Page
Oleum o'li varum 499
palmae 3 1 3
petrolei 509
ricini 597
sinapeos 502
succini 638
purissim. seu recti-
ficatum 509
sulphuratum 512
vini 1 44
vitrioli 652
terebinthinae 505
rectificatum 505
volatile anisi 504
baccarum juniperi 504
carui 504
caryophyllae aromat. 359
citri aurantii 304
medicae 306
flor. fceniculi dulc. 504
juniperi communis 504
sabinae 504
lauri sassafras 504
lavandulae spicae 504
melaleucae leuca-
dendron 459
menthae piperitae 504
sativae 504
myristicae moschatae 483
myrti pimentae 504
volatile origani 504
pini laricis 539
pulegii 504
rorismarini officinalis 504
rutae
sabinae
sassafras
sem. foeniculi dulcis
terebinth, purissi-
mum
Olibanum
Oliva
Oniscus asellus
Opium
purificatum
Opobalsamum
Opoponax*
Origanum majorana
vulgare
Orobanche Virginiana
505
504
504
504
504
543
431
499
513
519
368
184
525
514
514
514
Latin Index.
833
Page
Page
Ostrea edulis
515
Pilulae aloes compositae
531
Ostrearum testae praeparatae
267
cum assa foetida
532
Ovis aries
136
cum zingibere
531
Ovorum testae praeparatae
267
coiocynthirie
532
Ovum gallinum
526
myrrha
533
Oxalis acetosella
515
aloetica
531
Oxidum
516
ammoniareti cupri
534
Oxid.antim. cum phosph.calc
:. 207
arsenici cum opio
533
cum sul. pernit. pot.
197
assae foetidae compositae
533
sulph. vitrif.
199
galbani compositae
534
nitro muriaticum
2 6
hydrargyri
534
vitrificat. cum cera
200
opii
535
arsenici
235
opiatae
535
ferri nigrum
373
Plummeri
537
purificatum
376
rhei compositae
536
rubrum
377
scillae
537
hydrargyri cinereum
409
scilliticae
537
rub. per acid, nitric,
, 412
stiuii compositae
537
plumbi album
549
styraci
536
rubrum
550
Thebaicae
535
semivitreum
550
Pimento
488
zinci
742
Pimpinella anisum
538
impurum
743
Pin us abies
538
praeparat.
743
balsamea
538
Oxymel aeruginis
458
larix
539
colchici
457
sylvestris
539
scillae
458
Piper cubeba
546
simplex
456
Indicum
273
Ion gum
546
P.
nigrum
545
Pistacia lentiscus
547
Psenea sarcocolla
518
terebinthus
547
Panax quinquefolium
516
Pisus Branchiostegi
133
Papaver album
516
Pix Burgundica
542
erraticum
516
liquida
544
rho&as
516
Plumbum
548
somniferum
516
Podophyllum peltatum
552
Pareira brava
303
Poiygala senega
553
Pastinaca opoponax
525
Polygonum bistorta
554
Pentaphyllum
574
Poly podium filix mas
555
Petroleum Barbadense
256
Populus tremula
556
sulphuratum
513
Potassa
556
Petroselinum
212
cum calce
564
Phasianus gallus
526
Potentilla reptans
574
Phosphorus
526
Potio carbonatis calcis
471
Phosphas calcis
292
cretacea
471
hydrargyri
418
Prasparatio quorundum, aqua
soda*
617
non solubiiium
267
Physeter macrecephalus
528
Prinos rerticillatus
575
Phytolacca decandra
529
Prunus domestica
5N
575
834 , Latin Index.
Page
Page
Primus Gallica
575
R.
spinosa
576
sylvestris
576
Ranunculus sceleratus
592
Virginiana
576
Raphanus rusticanus
312
Pterocarpus santalinus
577
Resina alba
542
draco
578
amyridis Gileadensis
184
Pulegium
463
copaiferae officinalis
323
Pulparum extractio vel praep.
644
flava
542
Pulvis aloes cum canella
579
guaiaci
390
aloeticus cum guaiaco
580
pini abietis
542
ferro
580
balsameae
538
antimonialis
207
laricis
539
aromaticus
580
sylvestris
539
asari Europaei comp.
581
pistaciae lentisci
547
carbonatis calcis comp.
581
pterocarpi draconis
578
cretaceus
581
Rhabarbarum
593
cretae compositus
581
Rhanmus catharticus
592
cum opio
582
Rheum palmatum
593
cerussae compositus
582
Rhododendron chrysanthum
595
contrayervae compositus
582
9 maximum
596
Doveri
582
Rhus toxicodendron
596
hydrargyri cinereus
409
Ribes nigrum
597
ipecacuanhae et opii
582
rubrum
597
compositus
582
Ricinus communis
597
jalapae compositus ,
583
Rob sambuci
643
myrrhae compositus
583
Rosa canina
599
opiatus
584
centifolia
599
quercus marina
629
Damascena
599
scammonii compositus
584
Gallica
598
cum aloe.
584
rubra
598
cum calomelane
585
Rosmarinus officinalis
600
sennae compositus
585
Rubia tinctorum
600
stan ni
631
Rubigo ferri
376
stibiatus
207
Rubus idaeus
601
stypticus
585
Rumex acetosa
601
sulphatis aluminae comp.
585
aquaticus
749
tragacanthae compositus
586
Ruta graveolens
601
Tunica granatum
586
Pyrethrum
190
S.
Pyrola umbellata
587
Sabina
432
Pyrus cydonia
587
Saccharum non purificatum
602
officinarum
602
Q-
purificatum
603
purissimum
603
Quassia excelsa
588
rubrum
603
simaruba
589
saturni
551
Quercus robur
589
Sagapenum
604
cerris
590
Sal alkalinus fix. foss. purif.
616
Latin Index.
335
Page
Page
Sal ammoniacus
161
Solutio sulphatis cupri comp
. 334
benzoini
634
zinci
746
communis
477
Spartium scoparium
623
exsiccatus
479
Spermaceti
528
cornu cervi
169
Spigelia Marilandica
623
diureticus
567
Spina cervina
592
Glauberi
620
Spiraea trifoliata
. 624
martis
373
Spiritus aetheris nitrosi
149
muriaticus
477
vitriolici
143
polychrestus
570
compositus
144
Rupellensis
621
alkali volatilis
165
succini
638
aromaticus
695
purificatus
638
faetidus
627
tartari
560
ammoniae
165
Salix frai^ilis
605
aromaticus
695
Salvia officinalis
605
compositus
695
Sambucus nigra
606
foetid us
627
Sanguinaria canadensis
606
succinatus
696
Sanguis draconis
578
anisi compositus
626
Santalum rubrum *
577
camphoratus
674
Santonicum
241
cari carvi
625
Sapo
606
cinnamomi
625
Sarcocollo
518
juniperi comm. comp.
627
Sarsaparilla
613
lauri cinnamomi
625
Sassafras
443
lavandulae spicae
626
Scammonium
319
compositus 684
Scilla maritima
609
menthae piperitae
625
exsiccata
610
sativae
625
Scillae praeparatae
610
Mindereri
171
Scordium
669
myristicae moschatae
625
Seneka
553
myrti pimentse
625
Senna
279
nucis moschatae
625
Serpentaria Virginiana
232
pimento
625
Sevum bovinum
137
pulegii
625
ovillum
137
raphani compositus
627
praeparatum
707
rorismarini officinalis
626
physeteris macrocephali 528
vinosus camphoratus
674
Silene Virginica
611
rectificatus
•138
Simaruba
589
tenuior
151
Sin apis alba
611
Spon gia officinalis
628
nigra
611
usta
628
Sisymbrium nasturtium
612
Squamae ferri
373
Sium nodiflorum
613
purificatae
376
Smilax sarsaparilla
613
Stalagmitis cambogioides
629
Soda
614
Stannum
631
Solanum dulcamara
622
Staphisagria
349
Solidago virga aurea
622
Stibium
190
Solutio acetitis zinci
747
nitro-calcinatum
197
muriatis barytae
255
muriatum causticum
204
• calcis
268
praeparatum
197
836
Latin Index.
Page
Stramonium officinale 340
Styrax benzoin 633
calamita 632
officinale 632
purificata 633
Sub-acetis cupri 332
boras sodae 636
murias hydrargyri 404
praecipitatus 406
sulphas hydrarg. flavus 4 1 3
Succinum 637
Succi ad scorbuticos 64 1
expressi 639
spissati 64 1
Succus cochleariae offic. comp. 641
concretus fraxini orni 383
rhamni cathartici 592
spissatus aconiti napelli 642
atropae belladonnas 642
cicutae. 643
conii maculati 642
hyosciami nigri 642
• lac'tucae virosae 642
■/ limonis 643
momordicae elaterii 643
papaveris somniferi 519
ribis nigri 643
sambuci nigri 643
Sulphas 645
aluminae 646
exsiccatus 648
barytx 25 1
cupri «■ 334
ferri 373
exsiccatus 375
magnesias 451
potassae 569
cum sulphure 571
sodae 620
zinci 745
Sulphur 648
Sulphur antimonii praecipitat. 302
praecipitatum 65 1
stibiatum fuscum 200
rufum 202
sublimatum 649
lotum 650
Sulphuretum antimonii 1 92
praeparatum 197
praecipitatum 202
Page
Sulphuretum hydrarg. nigrum 4 1 5
potassae 571
Super-sulphas alum, et pot. 646
tartris potassae 655
impurus 655
Sus scrofa 137
Swietenia febrifuga 657
mahagoni 656
Syrupi 655
byrupus acidi acetosi 658
allii 659
althaeae officinalis . 659 '
amomi zingiberis 659
balsamicus 665
caryophilli rubri 661
citri aurantii 660
medicae 660
colchici autumnalis 66 1
communis 658
corticis aurantii 660
croci 662
dianthi caryophilli 661
limonum 660
mannae 662
Syrupus opii 663
papaveris somniferi 663
albi 663
erratici 663
rhamni cathartici 664
rosae 665
Gallicae 664
centifoliae 665
• <• sacchari rubri 602
scillae maritimx 665
simplex 658
spinae cervinae 664
succi fructus mori 660
ribis nigri 660
rubi idaei 660
limonis 660
Toluiferae balsami 665
Tolutanus 665
violae odoratae 666
zingiberis 659
T.
Tamarindus Indica
Taraxacum
Tanacetum vulgar?-
667
444
668
Latin Index,
837
Page
Tartari crystalli 655
Tartarus emeticus 209
Tartar um 655
ferri 379
solubile 573
stibiatum 209
vitriolatum 569
Tartris antimonii 209
potassae 573
et sodae 62 1
Terebinthina 540
Chia 547
Veneta 540
vulgaris 540
Teucrium marum 668
scordium 669
Thus 542
Tincturae 669
Tinctura acetis zinci 747
aconiti 1 34
aloes aetherea 692
socotorinae 671
cum myrrha 671
composita 67 i
amomi repentis 672
angusturae I 672
aristolochiae serpentariae 673
aromatica 684
assae foetidae 673
aurantii corticis 673
balsami Peruviani 674
Tolutani 684
benzoes composita 674
camphorae 674
cantharidum 685
cardamomi 672
composita 672
cascarillae 675
cassiae sennae composita 675
castorei 676
composita 696
catechu 685
cinchonae ammoniata 697
composita 677
officinalis 676
cinn amomi 683
composita 684
colombae 677
convolvuli jalapae 677
corticis Peruvianae 676
Page
Tinct. cort. Peruv. composita 677
croci 678
digitalis purpureae 678
ferri acetati 686
cum alcohol 680
ammoniacalis 680
muiiati 678
galbani 68 1
gallarum 681
gemianae composita 68 1
guaiaci 682
ammoniata 697
volatilis 697
hellebori nigri 682
hyosciami nigri 683
jalapae 677
Japonica 685
kino 683
lauri cinnamomi 683
composita 684
lavandulae composita 684
meloes vesicatorii 685
mimosae catechu 686
moschi 686
myrrhae 686
muriatis ferri 678
opii 686
camphorata 687
ammoniata 697
quassia 687
rhabarbari 688
composita 688
rhei amara 689
cum aloe 688
gentiana 689
palmati 688
rosarum 425
sabinae composita 689
sacra 733
saponis 690
cum opio 690
scillae 690
sennae 675
serpentariae 673
thebaica 686
Toluiferae balsami 691
Tolutana 691
Valerianae 69 1
ammoniata 69 S
veratri albi 691
838 Latin Index.
Page
Page
Tinctura zingiberis
692
Unguentum nitratis hydrarg.
725
Toluifera balsamum
698
mitius
726
Tormentilla erecta
699
oxidi hydrarg. cinerei
724
Tragacantba gummi
245
rubri
725
Trifolium paludosum
464
plumbi albi
726
Trigonella foenum-graecum
699
zinci
727
Triticum aestivum
700
impuri
726
hybernum
700
picis
727
Triosteum perfoliatum
701
piperis nigri
726
Trochisci carbonatis calcis
702
pulveris meloes vesicat.
722
cretae
702
resinae flavae
727
glycyrrhizae
702
resinosum
727
cum opio
703
sabinae
728
compositi
703
sambuci
728
gummosi
703
saturninum
719
amyli
703
simplex
720
magnesiae
704
spermatis cetis
721
nitratis potassae
704
sub-acetitis cupri
728
nitri
704
sub-muriatis hydrargyri
sulphuris
704
ammoniati
729
Turpethum minerale
413
sulphuris
729
Tussilago farfara
705
tutiae
726
Tutia
741
Urtica dioica
730
praeparata
743
Uva ursi
226
Uvas passae
737
U.
V.
Ulmus Americana
705
campestris
705
Valeriana officinalis
730
Unguenta 706
.719
sylvestris
730
Unguentum acetitis plumbi
719
Veratrum album
731
acidi nitrosi
720
luteum
732
adipis suillae
720
Veronica beccabunga
732
album
726
Vina medicata
732
calcis hydrargyri albi
725
Vinum
7S8
cantharidis
721
aloes socotorinae
733
cerae
721
aloeticum
733
cerussae acetatae
719
am arum
734
citrinum
725
antimoniale
735
coeruleum
723
antimonii tartarisati
735
elemi
723
chalybeatum
733
compositum
723
ferratum
733
epispasticum fortius
722
ferri
733
mitius
722
gentianae compositum
734
hellebori albi
723
ipecacuanhae
734
hydrargyri
723
nicotianae tabaci
734
fortius
723
rhei palmati
735
mitius
724
rhabarbari
735
nitrati
725
tartari stibiati (
735
infusi meloes vesicatorii
722
tartritis antimonii
735
Latin Index.
839
Page
Page
Viola odorata
736
X.
Virga aurea
622
Vitis vinifera
737
Xylobalsamum
184
Vitriolum album
744
coeruleum
334
Z.
viride
373
Vitrum antimonii
199
Zanthoxylum clava Herculis 740
ceratum
200
Zanthoriza apiifolia
740
tinctoria
740
W.
Zedoaria
178. 432
>
Zincum
740
Wintera aromatica
739
calcinatum
742
Winterania canella
271
vitriolatum
745
Winteranus cortex
739
Zingiber
177
FINIS
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